Formula 1 is on an expansion spree. First, the sport went ahead with marking a stronghold in the United States with the advent of three US GPs in 2023. Next, the FIA has opened discussions with possible new entries to expand the F1 grid. That being said, the biggest, most exciting thing that the sport is going to witness is the arrival of Audi from 2026 onwards. Recently, the German automobile giants put pen to paper on a deal with Sauber that saw them purchase a 25% stake in the unit. This is in line with their plans of buying out the current Alfa Romeo Sauber team and rebranding it as a works Audi outfit.

Audi’s entry into the sport seems to be a commercially lucrative decision. But in the past, we’ve seen ‘corporate’ attitudes lead to the downfall of many teams. Jaguar in the early 2000s is probably one example. That being said, Audi has gone on to do this the right way. The intentions of Audi’s Formula 1 project have been made very clear by its CEO, Adam Baker. And if his word is anything to go by, fans are in for a treat!

Smaller teams with a curtailed budget often have an excuse to be languishing at the bottom end of the pack. However, with the resources Audi has, it believes it needs to hit the ground running. In an interview with Sport BILD, Baker explained Audi’s plans in the sport come 2026. However, their plans may seem like they’ve been living in a fool’s paradise.

“Our goal is to be at the front in the third year. For that, we need a top engine,” explained Baker to BILD while revealing the reason for the infrastructural upgrades being endowed on its Neuberg plant. Audi plans to build its engines in-house.

Audi expects to be winning before the turn of the decade. “We are super proud that there is once again a German location for participation in Formula 1. Motorsport is part of Audi’s DNA. And of course, a brand like this doesn’t get into Formula 1 to chase. We want to be successful. That’s the aspiration, otherwise you have no business in the sport.”

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Even though the team will enter the sport only in 2026, change is afoot at the team’s base back in Germany. And as things stand, fortune may have just favored their game plan. Audi can start winning in F1 as soon as 2026.

Audi feels they can start winning as soon as 2026

Being a new team in Formula 1 isn’t easy. Many have failed to rise up to the occasion and take the heat. But even the ones who have made it, for example Mercedes, have had to be patient and build. That being said, Audi may just skip the process and end up at the front of the grid thanks to the new 2026 engine regulations.

Ex-F1 driver and current director of motorsport coordination at Audi, Allan McNish, told Motorsport.com, “There’s always a point where all the stars align. That’s clearly the point now with the technical regulations, and it’s where the company is. And 2026 with the base regulation change, that allows a good runway for preparations.”

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How excited are you to see Audi debut in the sport?