In a bold move that's capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts worldwide, Audi has unveiled its grand ambition to become the most triumphant team in Formula 1 history. This announcement coincides with Audi's historic entry into F1, having taken the reins of the Swiss-based Sauber team for the first time this season.

Launching a New Era

At a glamorous event held in Berlin, team principal Jonathan Wheatley referred to the launch of the new team as a 'historic moment.' He expressed, 'We're not here to mess around. It's an ambitious project, but we're humble. We know where we're starting from and we know where we want to go.' The goal is clear: to make Audi the most successful F1 team in history. And yes, they're starting this journey right now.

The Drive to Win

Gernot Dollner, Audi's chief executive officer, chimed in on the occasion, stating, 'Whenever we join a racing series, we join to win and to innovate and to bring motorsport forward.' Audi's sights are set on competing at the highest level, with a target to vie for championships by the year 2030.

Meanwhile, Mattia Binotto, who heads the Audi F1 project, acknowledged the challenges lying ahead. 'There is an awareness we are just at the beginning of our journey. We are conscious there are a lot of challenges ahead of us but we are ready for it,' he remarked.

Testing the Waters

Although Audi's new car made its debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week, the vehicle displayed at the event was merely a showpiece, not the actual design. Audi plans to join other teams for the first pre-season test at the same circuit next week, which will be a private affair.

Commitment to Excellence

With the slogan 'To start something, stop at nothing,' Audi emphasizes its relentless pursuit. Binotto elaborated, saying, 'Our approach to the journey is clear. We know there may be bumpy periods and failures, but to never stop is crucial. We have the passion to grow, the mindset to never stop pushing forward.'

He also mentioned, 'We spent a long time discussing what our targets should be for 2026, whether it be championship positions or points. Becoming competitive is key. We need to stay humble; there's much to learn. Being competitive means average is not an option.'

Wheatley echoed this sentiment: 'It's about a commitment. If we're going to start something, we're going to finish it. We're serious, and we'll do whatever is necessary to make this a success.'

Racing Bulls' Test Run

On a related note, Racing Bulls had a brief test run of their 2026 car at a damp Imola on Tuesday. During this private test, rookie British driver Arvid Lindblad experienced a spin at the Villeneuve chicane, requiring the car to be retrieved by truck. His teammate, Liam Lawson, also took a brief drive, limited to 15km by F1 regulations.