Mattia Binotto has claimed that Audi‘s “background and knowledge” will help it to overcome the initial edge that Formula 1 rivals Red Bull could hold with Ford.
F1 will undergo extensive rule changes in 2026. The cars will be smaller and lighter, while power units will split output evenly between electric and combustion.
These regulations tempted two major automotive names into the sport. Ford will return through a partnership with Red Bull, creating Red Bull Powertrains-Ford.
Red Bull Powertrains has poached several top-line engineers. Binotto acknowledges this, but he believes Audi’s deeper technical heritage will matter more over time.
“I think they’ve got more specific skills,” Binotto told RacingNews365.
“We’ve got the background of what’s Audi, what’s the knowledge of Audi, which in the long term will certainly make the difference.”
Audi on the ‘right path’
Binotto is overseeing Sauber’s transition into a works Audi operation as the group CEO, alongside ex-Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, who runs the team.
Together, they are laying the foundations for Audi’s long-term ambitions. Speaking to Reuters, Binotto said the project is progressing as planned.
“It’s going in the right path, the right direction,” he said, adding that Audi is “building some credibility”.
Audi’s commitment was questioned early in the process. Those doubts have faded.
The Qatar Investment Authority now holds a stake in the team and Revolut has signed as title sponsor. Binotto believes these steps have reassured staff inside the organisation.
“For the employees, that’s pretty clear. We are expanding, we are investing in the long term,” he said.
“Those facts are bringing a lot of credibility towards the project for the employees. There is no doubt that Audi is fully committed.
“The investments that we are doing currently with Audi, all of them are long-term projects because they are investments that we will see the return on them, in terms of performance, maybe in three or four years’ time.”
Audi is not chasing instant success. Binotto has been clear about expectations for 2026.
“We don’t intend to be a surprise next year,” he said. He also stressed that he is “not expecting to have the best engine next year at all.”
Instead, Audi has set its sights on being a title contender closer to 2030.
Therefore, Red Bull Powertrains-Ford may be better placed in the short term.
Former Red Bull team boss Christian Horner revealed that more than 200 staff had been recruited from Mercedes for the project.
Binotto accepts that such hires bring immediate benefits, but he is optimistic that Audi’s approach will pay dividends long term.
READ MORE – Ford reveals where Red Bull has small deficit with 2026 F1 engine
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