Audi F1 boss uses Ferrari drought to justify 'challenging' target

Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto has expanded on his team's goal to be a title-winning squad by the 2030 season.

The German manufacturer will make its F1 debut this year, complete with its own power unit, having taken over the Sauber team.

Late last year, Audi held an event in Munich during which it released a concept livery for its debut season and announced a 2030 target to fight for F1 championships.

The goal would see Audi rise to the forefront of the grid by its fifth campaign.

When asked if it sees itself at the top step of the podium before the 2030 title-winning goal, Binotto exclusively told RacingNews365: “Winning races, yes.

“[We are] aiming to fight for a championship in 2030, which is different, becoming the benchmark for the rest of the paddock in 2030.

“From a media and fan perspective, it may seem very long, I agree.

“When you look how long it takes to create solid foundations, it's not long at all. It's very challenging.

“If we can win before, we will try to win before. But look at the other teams as well, how long it takes sometimes to build foundations.”

Binotto points to Ferrari example

Prior to his position at Audi, Binotto spent 2019 to 2022 as team principal at Ferrari.

The Italian rose to the position after several decades working for the organisation and was part of the squad during its run of success with Michael Schumacher.

Binotto pointed out that Schumacher's Ferrari tenure existed for several years before it finally resulted in a championship.

“I had the experience of Ferrari,” he said. 

“Jean Todt joined in 1993 and won the first title in 1999. So if you do a simple calculation, you see how long it has taken with Michael Schumacher, Jean Todt and Ross Brawn.

“Building a team, it's about the number of people and how they interact, the tools, the process, the methodologies, the space, the manufacturing - there is so much that is required.

“Often we compare it to football. Sauber as a private team, there’s no blame, they did well. But maybe you are playing third league and you decide you want to win the Champions League.

“It’s not that the following season because the name is Audi, you will win the Champions League.

“In order to win the Champions League, you need to define your journey, your plans. And it will take a few seasons.”