Mattia Binotto, team principal of Audi, has shared his vision for the long-term goals of the team, highlighting that the German brand has the fourth-best chassis on the Formula 1 grid. This statement comes after a detailed analysis of the data from the 2026 season, where the Italian has observed strong potential in the performance of the Audi R26.
Despite the challenges in achieving high results, with the team currently in ninth place in the constructors’ championship, Binotto believes they have built a solid foundation in chassis development. According to his assessments, Audi is behind giants such as Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren, although he acknowledges the potential of Red Bull, which has a powerful engine.
In a conversation about the R26, Binotto expressed his satisfaction with the chassis, noting that they have a good correlation between wind tunnel results and simulator tests. The team has experienced some challenging moments, including reliability issues in races such as those in Australia and China, where one of their drivers, Nico Hulkenberg, finished in 11th place.
Long-term goals
Binotto has explained that while it is likely Audi will need time to improve in the power unit, the short-term goal is not to close the gap before 2028. The general director admits that both the engine’s performance and its drivability require significant evolution to compete with the best.
With a focus on the 2028 season, Binotto hopes Audi can make a qualitative leap to compete for victories and podiums. Ambitious in their strategy, the team understands the importance of increasing competitiveness, transforming not just the vehicle but also the mindset of the entire team.
In the long term, Binotto has set 2030 as the target date to be competing for titles, a milestone that requires not only the improvement of infrastructure and personnel but also a cultural evolution within the team. As Audi continues to develop its chassis and improve its power unit, the goal is for both fans and media to begin recognizing their progress in the world of Formula 1.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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