Audi admits it will not have the most effective F1 engine in 2026

The subsequent 12 months will probably be pivotal for the Sauber staff, with the outfit bracing itself for the arrival of Components 1’s sweeping new laws and making ready to change into Audi’s manufacturing unit staff. Audi will develop the engine, which F1 lead Mattia Binotto warns gained’t be “the most effective” on the grid.

For 2026, Components 1 will roll out new laws to make its vehicles extra nimble to brighten up races. New engine guidelines will enhance the usage of electrical power in a grand prix to assist the collection change into extra sustainable.

Alongside the brand new engine guidelines, F1 may also welcome new engine producers, with Audi and Ford – via a partnership with Purple Bull – set to hitch from 2026 and Cadillac following from 2029.  

“Making energy models – I do know this properly as a result of I used to be an engine engineer – is rather more advanced and sophisticated than one may think watching races as a spectator,” stated Binotto, who’s the pinnacle of Audi’s F1 mission, in an unique interview with Motorsport.com.

Binotto beforehand labored at Ferrari because it navigated the collection’ final main engine shakeup, which got here in 2014 with the introduction of the current-generation V6 hybrid energy models.

“Now, nevertheless, we’re coming into one thing extraordinarily superior that has by no means been carried out. Subsequently, we are going to discover a increased degree of issue, regardless that the place to begin is all the time an engine. We must change the tradition of the engine and it’ll not be simple.” 

The brand new guidelines require a 50-50 break up in energy produced by the inner combustion unit and {the electrical} elements. The advanced MGU-H, which harvests thermal power from the combustion engine, is being eliminated, and the motors will all be required to run on 100% sustainable fuels.  

These sweeping modifications are offering a problem for engine producers, and Binotto admits that Audi is not any totally different.  

“We’re centered on ourselves,” he stated. “We all know that 2026 won’t be the yr wherein we’ll be on the high. We can’t have the most effective energy unit, however the path that has been taken is the precise one, I am assured.” 

The upcoming rule change might additionally open up new avenues of competitors, as groups could have a say on what fuels they use of their new engines. Choices together with e-fuels and biofuels can be found, which Binotto provides signifies that “gasoline will change into a differentiating issue” for groups in 2026.  

Curiously, Audi could have a leg up on this regard as its mum or dad firm, the Volkswagen Group, has a historical past with e-fuels. By means of its Porsche model, the corporate is investing closely in sustainable petrol options and has backed a manufacturing website in Chile.  

This mission, which kicked off in 2023, might assist Audi’s efficiency subsequent season, however Binotto admits that he’s heard “rumours” that one staff might as soon as once more capitalise on the sweeping energy unit modifications: Mercedes. The German outfit is reportedly already a step above the remainder, and Binotto warns that the transfer to new motors might as soon as once more kickstart a interval of dominance for one staff.  

“In 2014 when a extra essential hybrid was launched on the ability unit, it was an engine championship initially,” he says. “As a result of Mercedes had made the distinction. It is a scenario that might occur once more and those that should get better will attempt to take action.” 

In fact, this doesn’t imply the season is shaping as much as be a Mercedes clear sweep as soon as once more. And we gained’t actually understand how the brand new energy models stack up till lights exit on the first race of the 2026 season. 

One factor’s for certain, nevertheless. 2026 will mark a turning level within the historical past of the Sauber staff, which final gained an F1 race in 2008 when it competed below one other German model: BMW.