Sauber boss Mattia Binotto has described Audi’s impending expansion into Formula 1 as the “most ambitious, challenging and greatest” venture across the entire series.
Binotto is heading up Audi’s nascent F1 project in his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Sauber having been appointed to replace the axed Andreas Seidl last August.
The German marque has now taken over the Hinwil-based squad as it prepares to embark upon its F1 debut as a works team with a power unit built in-house in Germany.
Binotto hadn’t been involved in F1 since departing his role as Ferrari team boss in late 2022, but he admitted the prestige associated with Audi tempted him to return.
“I’m truly happy to be here today working towards Audi’s future in Formula One,” Binotto said. “I couldn’t have imagined being part of anything more exciting than this incredible project.
“The Audi F1 Project is, without a doubt, the most ambitious, challenging, and greatest on the grid now.
“It’s driven by Audi’s legacy, the fact that they have never participated in Formula One before, and their track record of success in anything they have done in the past.”
Audi working towards 2030 title target
Audi’s entrance in 2026 will coincide with a substantial overhaul to the technical rules which will grant the beleaguered team the chance to make inroads on its rivals ahead.
But with Sauber rooted to last place in the championship last season, Binotto has reiterated that the rebrand and an Audi powertrain won’t inspire immediate success.
However, the Swiss-Italian engineer has vowed that he wants to see Sauber continue to progress each season to remain on track towards its plan to mount a title bid in 2030.
“As we look toward the transition to Audi, there are high expectations,” he added.
“Many may expect Audi to be very strong in 2026 already, but we have clearly stated that our goal is to fight for a championship in 2030. It will take several seasons to be ready for that.
“What matters now is progressing each season and developing from now until 2030.
“Our immediate objectives don’t conflict with our long-term goals; it’s about setting the right targets for 2025, 2026, 2027, and beyond.
“We hope to start by improving in 2025 compared to 2024: these are our clear targets.
“We are guiding our future with a strategic plan in place. It’s a complete business transformation, from a non-winning team to a winning one, working on tools, methodologies, processes, teams, skills, facilities, culture, and behaviours.
“There is a lot ahead of us, but everything is planned and on track.
“Yes, we expect to do better in 2025, and there will be high expectations for 2026, but we must be patient because it’s a long journey.
“The team is enthusiastic about this ambitious challenge, and it will be achieved step by step, through continuous improvement.”
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