P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The 1997 World Champion feels it matters what type of F1 team Audi wants to be.
Jacques Villeneuve has issued a warning to Formula 1 regarding the potential threat of Audi withdrawing from the sport if they feel unappreciated. Audi is set to enter F1 in 2026, stepping in as a full works team after high-level investment in the Sauber Group. This move marks a milestone as the first factory team since Renault’s re-entry in 2016 and subsequent departure after 2020. Villeneuve highlights the precarious nature of constructor teams who can exit suddenly, unlike historic teams such as Williams which are intrinsically tied to F1’s identity. He questions Audi’s intentions in F1, emphasizing the importance of commitment and long-term development in the sport. Despite challenges, the expectation is that Audi will strive to evolve and succeed with a genuine racing mindset.
