P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mattia Binotto’s first appearance in his Audi role, alongside CEO Gernot Dollner, was a public reality check about the current state of the project
Audi has realized that it will take longer than anticipated to elevate Formula 1’s underperforming team to a leading position, as new boss Mattia Binotto has acknowledged the task is more challenging than initially thought. Nearly two years have passed since Audi’s confirmation of taking over Sauber by 2026, along with the commitment to an engine project heralding its F1 entry. The initial two-year head start has been deemed unproductive due to Sauber’s poor on-track performance, prompting Audi to reassess its objectives early on. CEO Gernot Dollner openly addressed Audi’s challenges alongside Binotto, emphasizing the considerable improvements required for the team’s evolution by 2026 and beyond. They admit that achieving victory by 2028 will take longer than planned, highlighting the need to revise their ambitious targets while striving for a more realistic timeline and gradual improvement. Binotto underscored the significance of laying a strong foundation for Audi’s future success, drawing on his experience with Ferrari’s transformation into a championship-winning team. Audi faces the demanding task of building a winning cycle akin to Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, acknowledging the considerable effort and time required due to the team’s current position. The project is perceived as a significant business transformation demanding patience and strategic development to reach the desired competitive level in the competitive F1 landscape.
