P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber Motorsport has admitted Audi is braced to have an initial “gap to recover” once it debuts as an F1 power unit manufacturer in 2026.
Audi is set to make their highly anticipated debut in the series by taking over the current Sauber team with the introduction of new technical regulations. The German automaker aims to revive Sauber’s struggling prospects as they currently sit at the bottom with zero points this season. Despite committing to develop their own engine instead of using a customer one, Audi faces a challenging task to be competitive from the start. Binotto, overseeing Audi’s entry, has reported progress on the engine’s development, with testing already underway on the dyno. While Audi acknowledges the learning curve and the gap they need to bridge compared to established competitors, they are focused on being as competitive as possible when they hit the track in 2026. In the meantime, there is an intensive development program in place to ensure Audi’s readiness for the upcoming season.
