Audi have boldly declared their ambition to become “the most successful team in Formula 1 history” as the German manufacturer officially launched its long-awaited entry into the pinnacle of motorsport ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The iconic automotive brand is entering F1 for the first time, having completed its takeover of the Swiss-based Sauber team, marking one of the most significant manufacturer commitments the sport has seen in decades.
Audi F1 Launch Marks a Historic Moment
Audi unveiled its Formula 1 project at a lavish launch event in Berlin, attended by senior executives, engineers, and key figures from the motorsport world. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley described the occasion as a defining milestone not only for Audi but for Formula 1 itself.
“This is a historic moment,” Wheatley said.
“We’re not here to mess around. It’s an ambitious project. We’re humble, we know where we’re starting from, and we know where we want to go.”
Wheatley made Audi’s long-term vision unmistakably clear:
“We want to make Audi the most successful Formula 1 team in history. There are milestones on that journey, and today is the start.”
Audi’s Championship Ambitions Set for 2030
Audi chief executive officer Gernot Döllner reinforced the scale of the project, stating that the company’s DNA in motorsport leaves no room for half measures.
“Whenever Audi joins a racing series, we join to win, to innovate, and to move motorsport forward,” Döllner said.
“Our ambition is to compete at the highest level and to fight for championships by 2030.”
Audi’s arrival coincides with Formula 1’s new 2026 technical regulations, which place a greater emphasis on hybrid power units, sustainability, and efficiency — areas that align closely with Audi’s engineering philosophy.
Binotto: ‘We Are at the Beginning of the Journey’
Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, now heading the Audi F1 project, struck a measured tone while acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
“There is an awareness that we are just at the beginning of our journey,” Binotto said.
“We know there are many challenges ahead, but we are ready for them.”
While Audi’s long-term goals are clear, Binotto stressed that early success would be defined by progress rather than podiums.
“We spent a long time discussing what our targets should be for 2026 — whether that be championship positions or points,” he explained.
“The focus is to become competitive. We need to stay humble. There is much to learn.”
He added:
“Average is not an option anymore. It’s about attitude, learning, and pushing forward constantly.”
Audi F1 Car: Show Car Unveiled, Testing Underway
Although Audi ran its first 2026-spec car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week, the vehicle unveiled at the Berlin launch was a show car, not representative of the final aerodynamic or technical design.
The team will join the rest of the Formula 1 grid at the first pre-season test, which will take place privately at Barcelona next week as teams begin adapting to the sport’s new era.
Audi’s technical programme has been years in the making, with its power unit development based in Neuburg, Germany, and chassis operations continuing at Sauber’s long-established facility in Hinwil, Switzerland.
‘To Start Something, Stop at Nothing’: Audi’s New F1 Slogan
Audi also revealed the official slogan for its Formula 1 project:
“To start something, stop at nothing.”
Binotto explained the philosophy behind the message:
“It describes our approach perfectly. We know there may be bumpy periods and failures, but the mindset is to never stop, to keep pushing forward, and to have the passion to grow.”
Wheatley echoed that sentiment, underlining Audi’s long-term commitment to the sport.
“If we are going to start something, we are going to finish it,” he said.
“We are serious, and we are going to do whatever is necessary to make this a success.”
Early 2026 Action: Racing Bulls Begin Testing
Elsewhere on the grid, Racing Bulls gave their 2026 car an early shakedown during a private test at Imola on Tuesday, although conditions were far from ideal.
British rookie Arvid Lindblad spun at the Villeneuve chicane in wet conditions, forcing the car to be recovered by truck. Team-mate Liam Lawson also completed brief running, with the session limited to 15km under Formula 1 testing regulations.
Audi’s F1 Entry Signals a New Era
Audi’s arrival adds to a growing list of major manufacturers committing to Formula 1’s future, reinforcing the sport’s global appeal and technical relevance.
With a clear vision, heavyweight leadership, and a long-term roadmap extending toward 2030 and beyond, Audi are positioning themselves not just as new entrants — but as future title contenders.
Whether they can truly become the most successful team in Formula 1 history remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Audi are entering the sport with intent, patience, and uncompromising ambition.
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