Audi chief: "It would be great to have Carlos Sainz"

Audi hopes to reach the top of Formula 1 within three years. The CEO of Audi Formula Racing announced this this week at an event where the brand's plans were explained.

Audi has been looking to enter Formula 1 for a while now. The German brand has already signed up to start developing engines for the sport from 2026 when new engine regulations will go into effect, but in addition, Audi also wants to have its own team. Audi is expected to take over Sauber's F1 team. That team is currently called Alfa Romeo, but the Italians have already announced their withdrawal as title sponsor after 2023.

At Audi's Formula 1 branch, Adam Baker will be at the helm. Baker is no stranger to Formula 1: between 2002 and 2011, he had already worked in the sport at engine manufacturers Cosworth and BMW, working with a total of six different teams. At an event in Madrid this week, Baker would not disclose anything about the possible partnership with Sauber, but he did make it clear that the ambition is well and truly there at Audi.

"It is not unreasonable to think we can reach the top within three years, however complicated the F1 challenge is. We would like to grab some podiums in the first season."

Possible seat for Carlos Sainz?

Audi thus hopes to be at the top of the sport by 2029. Which drivers that would have to happen with is obviously still unknown, but as the event was held in Spain, journalists naturally mentioned Carlos Sainz's name. Baker did not want to comment too firmly on that.

"It would be great to have Sainz, but 2026 is still a long way off. The full development phase of a new project is very important. Having an experienced driver will be essential in that."