Audi System 1 group principal Jonathan Wheatley has defined why it was so necessary to the German marque to hitch the championship as a works group.
The group, which took over Sauber forward of the 2026 season, unveiled its livery throughout a launch occasion on 20 January with Wheatley current alongside drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, amongst others.
“Vastly,” Wheatley defined on the launch occasion when requested how important it was for the group to hitch as a works outfit.
“McLaren, sadly, has confirmed us all unsuitable, however my opinion has at all times been that once you see a full works engine set up, once you see a automobile powertrain that has been designed to go collectively from the very starting, it is a very different-looking automobile.
“Are you aware what the largest distinction is between the R26 and final yr’s automobile? It appears prefer it’s a System 1 automobile from entrance to again and it has been designed with one goal.”
The group is life like in its targets for the subsequent few years and doesn’t count on to be claiming the constructors’ title within the first season.
Audi F1 Crew R26 livery
Photograph by: Christopher Otto
“Our plan is to be a challenger, then a competitor after which a champion,” Wheatley added. “And it is necessary that individuals perceive that journey. This yr we’ve our inner tradition targets. For this yr for me it is all about folks taking duty for their very own position on this group.”
Head of Audi F1 mission Mattia Binotto added: “We all know it could take a couple of years … so 2030 is the precise time to struggle for a championship, it is the precise goal. If it may be earlier, we’ll do it earlier. It is necessary to do all we are able to to attain it.”
Non-public testing is underway in Barcelona this week earlier than Bahrain testing on 11-13 February and 18-20 February.
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