Audi declares 'statement of intent' as Le Mans winner heads driver programme

Audi has declared the launch of its driver development programme as a "statement of intent" as Le Mans winner Allan McNish is to assume control. 

McNish, who was already linked with the team before it became Audi as an advisor in the final Sauber season, is to lead what the team has called "a cornerstone of the team’s F1 ambitions designed to identify, nurture, and develop the next generation of racing talent."

Scot McNish raced in F1 himself in 2002 with Toyota before going on to success in sports cars, with three Le Mans wins to his name, two of which came with the Ingolstadt concern. He also won the 2013 world endurance championship title. 

Audi is to ensure members of the academy "receive world-class training and mentorship, benefiting from the brand’s decades of experience at the highest levels of motorsport. The curriculum will focus on the drivers’ requirements, with a bespoke development programme going from on-track performance, driving and engineering development, human performance, and media and marketing," and declared the move as a "statement of intent."

"To be entrusted with finding the cornerstones of the future Audi F1 Team is a great honour and a responsibility I am very passionate about," said McNish. 

"This brand is built on a history of 'Vorsprung durch Technik', and that philosophy must apply to our young drivers as much as to our cars. We are not just looking for raw speed; we are looking for the resilience, intelligence, and team-driven mindset that defines a future Audi champion. 

"Our goal is to build a pathway that turns potential into precision and performance on the world stage. I am thrilled to begin this work and identify the first generation of talent to join this ambitious project."

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley added that "investing in the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula 1 strategy," as well as playing up McNish's credentials to lead the programme.