Horner warns Audi: 'Very long way to go'

Since last week it is official: Audi enters the Formula 1. The goals are high. Within three years, the team wants to be up front the grid. Not an easy task, thinks Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner.

Horner believes Audi has a very long way to go, stating in AutoHebdo. According to the director of the Austrian team, Audi, like any new engine manufacturer, faces a host of challenges. First of all, Audi lacks the knowledge about hybrid engines that the current engine suppliers have. According to Horner, this know-how is not easily gained.

Money a problem

Moreover, money can be an issue. Ten million for the development of a completely new power source is not much, according to Horner. It is also difficult to build a factory from scratch that performs at the peak of its capabilities almost immediately.

The Briton took the example of his own company Red Bull Powertrains : "We did it in 55 weeks. We set up a factory and produced our first internal combustion engine, which is a huge achievement. There is still a long way to go in terms of production capacity. There are deadlines to meet, some of which are a bit unrealistic. I think as a newcomer it is a huge challenge to try and put yourself in a good starting position in terms of facilities."