P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto doesn’t believe his team will nail the 2026 F1 engine regulations right from the start.
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto anticipates challenges in getting the 2026 Formula 1 engine regulations right immediately, given the technical complexities involved.
The 2026 season marks a significant shift with major changes in technical regulations and a new set of power unit rules aimed at achieving a nearly equal hybrid mix between the internal combustion engine and the battery.
Major engine manufacturers, including Cadillac joining as the 11th team, are betting on F1’s sustainable approach, with Audi and Ford also entering the grid in 2026.
Audi, soon to rebrand the Sauber team, and Ford, in collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains, are positioning themselves for the revised power unit rules.
Binotto acknowledges the arduous task of adapting to the new engine culture, setting realistic expectations that Audi won’t lead the field immediately but expressing confidence in their strategic direction.
The concern of a potential engine championship in 2026 arises, reminiscent of Mercedes’ dominant streak following the introduction of turbo-hybrid engines in 2014, emphasizing the crucial role of fuel choices in shaping competitiveness.
