In its debut Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season, the Audi Revolut F1 TeamTeam·Audi Revolut F1 Team has clearly identified its primary challenge: the power unit. The German manufacturer has consistently stated that its engine performance lags behind the championship leaders, a gap it is determined to close in the coming years.
Mattia BinottoCoach·Mattia Binotto, the project head for Audi in Formula 1Competition·Formula 1, has now revealed a specific target for this crucial development. The team aims to eliminate its power unit deficit by 2028. Binotto, formerly a prominent figure at FerrariTeam·Ferrari, emphasized the long-term nature of engine development compared to other car components.
"The next true step will be in 2028, because to start winning races, podiums, and good results, you need a good car," Binotto explained. "If we measure our gap to our competitors today, our biggest deficit comes from the power unit, where we believe we need to make a significant step to close the gap. When we talk about the power unit, the period is always longer. The development process takes significantly more time than aerodynamics. That's why I say the next significant step cannot be made in the short term, because we have to change the entire engine hardware. So we believe our engine cannot become as good as the others or better in 2027, so our target is 2028."
Despite the power unit challenges, Binotto expressed satisfaction with the team's chassis. He believes the Audi Revolut F1 TeamTeam·Audi Revolut F1 Team currently possesses the fourth-best chassis in Formula 1Competition·Formula 1, a notable achievement considering its foundation as the former SauberTeam·Sauber operation. This assessment is based on both driver feedback and detailed GPS telemetry analysis, indicating a strong correlation between wind tunnel data and simulator performance.
Audi's ambitions extend beyond engine parity. Gernot DöllnerPlayer·Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi, has previously articulated the brand's commitment to Formula 1Competition·Formula 1, stating, "Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motor sports and we are here not only to compete, but also to define the future of 'Vorsprung durch Technik'. We aim to fight for a world title by 2030." Binotto echoed this long-term vision, setting 2030 as the ultimate goal for championship contention.
Currently, in the 2025/26 season, the Audi Revolut F1 TeamTeam·Audi Revolut F1 Team holds ninth place in the Constructors' Championship. Brazilian driver Gabriel BortoletoPlayer·Gabriel Bortoleto secured the team's first points by finishing ninth at the Australian Grand PrixCompetition·Australian Grand Prix. His teammate, Nico HülkenbergPlayer·Nico Hülkenberg, has faced reliability issues, including technical problems that prevented him from starting at the Australian Grand PrixCompetition·Australian Grand Prix and contributed to an 11th-place finish in races like the Chinese Grand PrixCompetition·Chinese Grand Prix. The team's presence at events like the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix, as highlighted by their new hospitality unit, underscores their ongoing commitment to the sport's premier events.
The strategic focus on a 2028 target for engine competitiveness signals Audi's methodical approach to Formula 1Competition·Formula 1. This long-term vision positions them to challenge established top teams such as FerrariTeam·Ferrari, MercedesTeam·Mercedes, and McLarenTeam·McLaren in the coming years, aiming for a significant leap in performance that will allow them to contend for victories and podium finishes.
Gabriel Bortoleto drives the Audi AR01 during the F1 Canadian Grand Prix Sprint Race in Montreal. (IPA Sport/IMAGO)
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