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Audi are targeting victories in Formula One after three years but hope engine changes when they join in 2026 can open the door sooner.
Germany’s Audi will compete as a factory team in F1 from 2026, with the Volkswagen subsidiary developing the engine and the chassis being built by experienced Swiss firm Sauber.
“We have signed up for the period 2026 to 2030. We want to be in a position to be able to fight for victories after three years,” Adam Baker, managing director of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, told dpa.
“You have to be realistic. The first and second year can also be tough. However, it is very difficult to predict that.”
Baker used to head Formula One engine development at BMW and is now responsible for power unit development at Audi.
New technical regulations will apply from 2026, when cars will be just as powerful but will use less energy and produce net zero carbon exhaust emissions.
“That opens up greater opportunities to be competitive faster as a newcomer. The way to get there is cost-cap regulated. Everyone has the same chances, everyone has to deal with the same challenge for 2026. And the challenge will be as enormous as it has ever been in Formula One,” Baker said.
“If you do a good job, there’s a chance you can be right up front in 2026,” Baker said.
