Audi ambitious: 'We want to be at the front in the third year'

Audi is busy preparing for its Formula 1 adventure, which should result in a place on the grid with the - now - Sauber team in 2026. That is three years from now. Sceptics believe this is too short a time to develop a power unit. Audi itself, however, is confident it can be done.

In conversation with Bild Adam Baker, responsible for the F1 project at the German automaker, says Audi is 'on time'. "But we know and respect the scale of the challenge ahead of us. We will succeed before 2026. I have no doubt about that."

Audi doesn't want to be side-kick

Audi is not making its entrance into Formula 1 merely to compete. The brand, successful in many other series, wants to win. "Motorsport is in Audi's DNA," Baker continued. "We want to be successful. We express that, otherwise, you don't deserve a place in the sport. Don't get me wrong, we are not naive: we know the competition is big. But there will be drastic changes in the technical regulations for the power unit and chassis. It's a challenge for everyone, not just us."

Baker does realise that success cannot be taken for granted on day one. Audi's first year in Formula 1 will be mainly about working on reliability, as the Volkswagen Group brand is not familiar with developing a power unit for motorsport's crown jewel. Thus, catching up with the other teams seems to be necessary.

Ultimately, Audi wants to make quick strides. "Our goal is to be at the front in year three. For that, we need a top power unit. We want to show what 'made in Germany' stands for, a reliable power unit of the highest level. We are super proud to have another German spot in Formula 1."