Audi has set its sights on winning Formula 1 races in its third year on the grid, according to the company’s Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker.
Audi will enter the sport in 2026 in partnership with Sauber, which is currently competing as Alfa Romeo.
Alfa Romeo will leave F1 at the end of 2023 due to Audi’s upcoming arrival.
The German manufacturer will also develop its own Power Unit for the new regulations that will come into play in 2026, while Sauber will construct the car’s chassis.
For the last several years, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari have been the primary competitors at the front of the field.
But Audi has hopes to put its car in the front-running fight before the end of the decade.
“We want to be competitive in three years,” Baker told AS. “It’s a realistic goal. We want to compete for victories in the third year.”
F1 has seen increased interest from manufacturers and tracks in recent years amid a boom in the sport’s popularity.
Baker says that F1’s push towards sustainability was a key factor in Audi’s decision to join the grid, as well as the cost cap that was installed last year.
“There is no single reason, there are several factors that have aligned to make it extremely attractive for manufacturers, in particular for Audi,” Baker said.
“F1 is in a transition period with a sustainable concept for the championship. With new rules, which will introduce innovative power units focused on the electrical part, plus sustainable fuels, it is aligned with Audi’s future strategy, directed towards electric mobility.
“Also, F1 has increased in popularity. It is by far the best media and marketing tool in the motorsport world, and one of the best in any industry.
“At the same time, F1 has achieved cost reduction and that makes it even more attractive. The engines of 2026 will have a spending ceiling and that, in addition to limiting costs, provides certainty about long-term budgets.
“If you want a fantastic platform to demonstrate your competence and knowledge 24 times a year, this is the best place.”
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