The debut and the project
The 2026 season started with the debut of two entities such as Cadillac and Audi: while the American team has increased the number of participants in the Circus, the German manufacturer took over Sauber, starting its Formula 1 project with its own power units. Currently eighth in the Constructors’ standings with 12 points, but with Bortoleto having repeatedly come close to the top 10, the goal of the Four Rings is to increase their competitiveness by 2030, with the Brazilian driver even indicating the R26 chassis as one of the best.
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Back 31 years
The team, which started its work in Hinwil (former Sauber headquarters in Switzerland), currently does not have the same infrastructure and high-level personnel as the manufacturers occupying the top spots in the standings, but team principal Mattia Binotto seems to have gone back in time. For the 56-year-old, in fact, Audi’s first steps are comparable to the 1995 Ferrari season, the year Binotto joined Maranello as an engine engineer for the Rossa. From there, the Maranello factory began its steady growth with Jean Todt and the hiring of other key figures like Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher, who contributed to Ferrari’s revival with the wins of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2000 to 2004.
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What do they have in common?
A comparison, that between the 1995 Ferrari and today’s Audi, which Binotto highlighted in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365: “If someone visits Mercedes, Ferrari or McLaren and then visits ours, they will realize there is a gap, a clear difference. Our buildings, our infrastructure, are not at the level of the top teams, but it is not a fault. It is a fact, because what were the ambitions of the previous ownership? Today there is a gap and we have to close it. We have to grow in the future; we need more staff; we need more space for production, so we are definitely considering expansion plans, because this will be a determining factor for our success tomorrow. Expansion does not happen overnight, but we are evaluating these projects; it is something we are seriously considering and, once a decision is made, we will inform you. When I joined the company, I was inspired by the 1995 Ferrari, and for me the comparison is exactly with the 1995 Ferrari. It is an old and small factory, with few people and few processes implemented, so for me the comparison is really with the 1995 Ferrari compared to today’s Ferrari. I think what we have done has gone in the right direction; the team is improving and progressing, and many things are happening in the factory that are not visible to the media or fans. Many things are happening and we are honestly and sincerely building the foundations for the future, so yes, I can confirm that 2030 is certainly an achievable goal to fight for the world championship, and it is a concrete goal.”
