Audi sound 'break records' warning to F1 rivals

Audi has made clear it will not be in F1 to make up the numbers after sounding a punchy word of warning to its rivals on the day of its debut launch.

The German manufacturing giant unveiled its maiden contender for this year, the R26, from Berlin. It maintains that there is a glide path to success, initially targeting its maiden title by 2030. Beyond that, it's ambition is unrelenting.

Via a statement, the team said: "We are building a new organisation with a mindset founded on resilience, precision, and a relentless curiosity to find performance everywhere.

"Our goal is to win championships by 2030. We have a structured plan for a deliberate ascent.

"Our journey begins as a challenger, where we will establish our processes and fight for points. We will evolve into a competitor, consolidating our strengths to consistently compete for podiums.

"The next phase is to become a champion, a unified, winning force. Off track, we aim to become a sporting icon that breaks records and shapes the future of motorsport."

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley, with a long history of success behind him after departing Red Bull last season to take up his new role, appreciates that "Formula 1 is the most complex team sport in the world" and winning is never easy.

He added: "It is powered by people. Our journey to the top is built on a clear plan, but it will be defined by our mindset: resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity.

"We will build a team that embodies this. We are here to challenge, evolve, and ultimately, win."

For Gernot Döllner, the CEO of Audi AG and chairman of the board of directors of Audi Motorsport AG, he maintains his team's enrty into Formula 1 "is part of something bigger".

He added: "It's a strategic decision that reinforces how we elevate the power of technology, embrace continuous learning to perform, and shape Audi’s future as a driver of excellent performance around the world.

"This project is the ultimate stage to demonstrate 'Vorsprung durch Technik‘ and a powerful catalyst for our brand's future."

Miracles are not expected to happen from the outset, despite Audi entering F1 on the back of taking over an established name in F1 in Sauber, and its Hinwil factory.

The new regulations, however, are keeping Audi grounded, particularly in building its own F1 power unit for the first time, albeit with an established track record of success in other series.

Mattia Binotto, the head of Audi's F1 project, said: "The 2026 regulations created the perfect moment to enter.

"We are a true works team from day one. Power train and chassis are developed in complete synergy, two elements built for each other. This integration is not just a detail; it is the core of our competitive strategy."