Audi F1 making greater progress than results suggest, says Binotto
Audi’s first Formula 1 season has brought significant challenges, but Mattia Binotto believes the team’s most important achievements are taking place behind the scenes as the German manufacturer builds towards its 2030 title ambitions.
Audi’s transformation into a fully fledged Formula 1 works team is progressing more rapidly than its on-track results might suggest, according to Mattia Binotto, who believes the manufacturer’s internal development represents its greatest achievement so far.
Having taken over the former Sauber operation for the 2026 season, Audi endured a difficult introduction to Formula 1 as a constructor and power unit manufacturer. However, improvements in competitiveness have gradually established the team as a more consistent midfield contender, particularly since the summer break.
The Singapore Grand Prix provided further encouragement, with Nico Hülkenberg scoring points in both the Sprint and the main race.
Despite those improvements, Binotto acknowledges that Audi remains some distance from achieving its long-term ambitions.
“I’m happy, but on the other hand, I’m not entirely satisfied yet,” he admitted.
“We still have a long way to go. The goal is to be fighting for world championships by 2030.”
The former Ferrari team principal also made clear that Audi’s ambitions extend beyond simply meeting that deadline.
“The dream is to achieve it even sooner.”
Audi’s biggest achievement remains largely unseen
While championship points and race results remain the most visible measures of progress, Binotto believes Audi’s most significant developments are occurring within the organisation itself.
Transforming a relatively small independent team into a competitive factory operation requires substantial changes in infrastructure, working methods and organisational culture.
For Binotto, those changes are already producing encouraging results.
“I think our biggest achievement so far is precisely where it is least visible to the fans,” he explained.
“Overall, we can see how the team is developing. The mindset, the team culture, the way people interact — everything is evolving.”
“The energy is good, the atmosphere is positive.”
Binotto stressed that Audi’s transformation cannot be judged solely on its immediate competitiveness.
“You don’t go from being a small private team to a winning team overnight,” he said.
“We are a solid team currently working to consolidate our competitiveness in the midfield.”
That approach reflects Audi’s determination to establish a sustainable foundation rather than pursue short-term gains at the expense of its longer-term development.
After struggling during the opening stages of the championship, the team is now focused on converting occasional strong performances into consistent results.
Hülkenberg’s double points finish in Singapore illustrates that progress, although Binotto believes considerable room for improvement remains.
Two facilities, one team: Audi’s organisational challenge
One of the central challenges facing Audi’s Formula 1 programme is integrating its two principal technical operations.
Chassis development is based in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the manufacturer’s power unit programme operates from Neuburg, Germany.
Such a structure creates additional demands in communication, technical coordination and decision-making, particularly as Audi seeks to establish itself among Formula 1’s leading manufacturers.
However, Binotto rejects the suggestion that operating across two locations represents a fundamental disadvantage.
Instead, he believes the growing cooperation between the facilities is becoming one of the programme’s defining strengths.
“We may have these two sites, but we are one team, with one objective and a shared mission. I like seeing how everyone is progressing together and helping each other.”
For Binotto, that increasingly unified approach is central to Audi’s transformation.
“I actually think that is the most important factor in this transformation.”
A long-term project with championship ambitions
Audi’s immediate priority remains establishing itself as a consistent midfield competitor while continuing to strengthen the organisation behind its Formula 1 operation.
Although its first season has delivered mixed results, Binotto believes the progress made internally provides a stronger indication of the manufacturer’s future potential than its current championship position.
The ambition remains clear: to challenge for world titles by 2030, with the possibility of reaching that level sooner.
For Audi, the challenge is now to translate its organisational development into sustained performance on the circuit.
