In a recent development, Audi has officially registered as an F1 engine manufacturer for the 2026 regulations. This move marks Audi’s first foray into the sport as an official manufacturer, following the full takeover of Sauber and a reboot of the technical regulations. With its impressive resources and past successes in other racing disciplines, Audi is expected to have a big impact on F1. However, former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger offers a word of caution to Audi, drawing parallels with Red Bull’s entry into the sport in 2005. Berger emphasizes the need for patience and the likelihood of facing initial challenges before achieving the success. He recalls how it took Red Bull six years to become a winning team, despite the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey. Berger believes it will take at least five years for Audi to establish itself at the top of the grid, citing the similar path taken by Ferrari in the early 2000s. Despite having Michael Schumacher and a talented team, Ferrari took five years to capture world titles . The Sauber/Audi project faces a difficult task, as demonstrated by Sauber’s lack of points in the first nine stages of the 2024 season. However, the team managed to secure Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 and is also eyeing Carlos Sainz Jr., son of Audi’s Dakar winner Carlos Sainz Sr. for the other place. Sainz Jr. is also exploring options with Williams as he weighs his post-Ferrari prospects.
