Audi launch F1 assault as manufacturer targets championships by 2030

Audi have set out an uncompromising vision to become “the most successful team in Formula 1 history” as the German manufacturer formally launched its works entry into the sport ahead of its debut season, Sport360NG reports.

The marque is entering Formula 1 for the first time after completing a takeover of the Swiss-based Sauber operation, marking a major strategic shift in its motorsport programme.

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley described the unveiling at a high-profile event in Berlin as a landmark moment, while stressing that Audi’s long-term goals are matched by an understanding of the scale of the task ahead.

“We’re not here to mess around, it’s an ambitious project,” Wheatley said. “We’re humble. We know where we’re starting from and we know where we want to go. We want to make Audi the most successful F1 team in history. There are milestones on that journey and we are starting it today.”

Audi chief executive Gernot Döllner reinforced that message, insisting that the manufacturer’s competitive DNA will shape its approach to Formula 1.

“Whenever we join a racing series, we join to win, to innovate and to move motorsport forward,” Döllner said. “The ambition is to compete at the highest level and to fight for championships by 2030.”

Project boss Mattia Binotto acknowledged that Audi’s journey is only just beginning, with significant challenges expected as the team builds towards competitiveness.

“There is a clear awareness that we are at the start of our journey,” Binotto said. “We know there are many challenges ahead, but we are ready for them.”

Although Audi ran a new car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week, the machine presented in Berlin was a show car rather than a true representation of its 2026 challenger. The team will join its rivals for the first official pre-season test at the same circuit next week, held behind closed doors.

As part of the launch, Audi revealed the slogan for its Formula 1 project, “To start something, stop at nothing.” Binotto said the phrase captures the mindset behind the programme.

“It reflects our approach to the journey,” he explained. “There will be bumpy periods and failures, but the key is never stopping and never losing the passion to grow.”

Binotto added that Audi has deliberately avoided setting rigid performance targets for 2026, focusing instead on steady progress. “The objective is to become competitive. Average is not an option, but we must remain humble and learn.”

Elsewhere, Racing Bulls completed a brief shakedown of their 2026 car during a private test at a wet Imola on Tuesday. British rookie Arvid Lindblad spun at the Villeneuve chicane, forcing the car’s recovery, while team-mate Liam Lawson also completed limited running during the 15-kilometre test allowed under F1 regulations.