The Sauber team is gearing up for a crucial 12 months ahead, as they prepare to transition into Audi’s factory team amid Formula 1’s new regulations. Audi will be developing the engine, with Mattia Binotto cautioning that it may not be the top performer on the grid.
Formula 1 is set to introduce new regulations in 2026 aimed at making the cars more agile and boosting the use of electrical energy during races for sustainability. Alongside these changes, new engine manufacturers like Audi and Ford, as well as a partnership with Red Bull, will enter the competition.
Binotto, the head of Audi’s F1 project and former Ferrari engineer, highlights the complexity of the power unit development process and the challenges ahead. The new rules mandate a 50-50 split in power from internal combustion units and electrical components, with a shift to 100% sustainable fuels.
The competitive landscape is also set to shift with teams having the autonomy to choose fuels for their engines in 2026. Audi’s association with the Volkswagen Group’s e-fuel initiative could give them an advantage, but Binotto acknowledges Mercedes’ potential dominance in the face of these changes.
As teams navigate the evolving engine regulations, fuel choice is expected to become a key differentiator in the upcoming seasons. Audi’s strategic investments in sustainable fuels through Porsche’s initiatives could influence their performance on the track.
