Jonas Leo
Mattia Binotto, the seasoned Formula 1 executive leading Audi’s charge into the pinnacle of motorsport, has articulated an "unprecedented" and "very, very long" list of developmental tasks following the team’s initial shakedown at Barcelona. The German automotive giant is meticulously preparing for its highly anticipated maiden campaign in the championship, scheduled for the 2026 season, a year marked by what is arguably the most significant regulatory overhaul in Formula 1 history.
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 has been a subject of considerable speculation and strategic planning. The marque cemented its commitment by completing a full takeover of the historic Sauber squad, a team with a storied legacy in the sport. This acquisition provides Audi with an established operational base and infrastructure, crucial for integrating into the highly competitive F1 environment. The 2026 regulations represent a blank slate for all competitors, offering a unique opportunity for a new entrant like Audi to establish itself and challenge the established order from the outset.
The forthcoming rule changes are comprehensive, impacting both the chassis and the power unit. The new chassis design mandates vehicles that are 32 kilograms lighter and generate significantly less downforce, fundamentally altering aerodynamic principles and driving dynamics. Concurrently, the power unit regulations will shift towards a greater reliance on electrical energy, necessitating a radical rethink of engine architecture and energy recovery systems. These dual changes demand an exhaustive re-evaluation of every component and system, from the ground up, making the preparation phase exceptionally challenging for all teams, but particularly for a new manufacturer building its first F1 car and power unit concurrently.
Recognizing the monumental scale of these changes, Formula 1 authorities have expanded the pre-season testing calendar. The schedule commenced with a crucial shakedown in Barcelona from January 26-30, designed for initial system checks and basic performance validation. This will be followed by two intensive three-day tests in Bahrain, scheduled for February 11-13 and February 18-20, leading directly into the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6-8. While this revised testing regime appears extensive, the wholesale transformation of the cars means that every minute of track time is invaluable, especially as teams grapple with an entirely unknown pecking order for the upcoming season.
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Audi’s participation in the Barcelona shakedown saw the team opt for track time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Over these three days, the Audi-Sauber R26 chassis, powered by its new unit, completed a total of 243 laps. The initial phase of testing, however, was not without its challenges. Technical issues, reportedly related to the power unit, restricted the running of both Gabriel Bortoleto and veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg during the opening two days. Such setbacks are not uncommon in early development phases, particularly with entirely new power unit architectures, and often serve as critical learning opportunities for engineering teams.
Despite the early difficulties, the team demonstrated resilience and made significant progress by the final day of the shakedown. Friday’s running saw a marked improvement in reliability and performance, with the R26 completing an impressive 148 laps. This surge in mileage allowed Audi to gather a respectable amount of data for the week, enabling the team to conclude the shakedown with a more positive outlook and a clearer understanding of the immediate developmental priorities. The ability to overcome initial hurdles and achieve substantial running on the final day underscored the team’s capacity for rapid problem-solving and adaptation.
Mattia Binotto, who previously served as the Team Principal for Scuderia Ferrari from 2019 to 2022, brought his extensive experience to bear on the assessment of the Barcelona shakedown. Speaking to F1 TV at the conclusion of the test, Binotto acknowledged the immense workload. "It’s a lot of work for the entire team, it’s a lot of work for the drivers, for the engineers back at home – fixing all the problems, design, operationals, whatever we have seen," he stated, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the challenge. His comments emphasized that every aspect, from minor design flaws to complex operational procedures, required meticulous attention.
Binotto further elaborated on the team’s comprehensive approach, stating, "So, it’s really for us, no stones unturned: all the details need to be somehow managed and need to be fixed. So we’ve got a very long list, very, very long list, I’ve never seen such a long list." This candid assessment from a figure accustomed to the rigorous demands of Formula 1 underscores the unique scale of the undertaking for Audi. Despite the daunting nature of the task, Binotto conveyed a sense of optimism, adding, "But it’s, again, I think it’s great because the team is really committed, willing to improve and somehow to come to Bahrain in a better shape." This commitment and drive are essential for any new team aspiring to competitiveness in Formula 1.
Reflecting on the overall project, Binotto expressed enthusiasm: "It’s great, we are all very, very happy. It’s a fantastic project, as we all believe, we are all committed – but we know as well that there is a lot to build, a lot to grow." He acknowledged the critical role of the shakedown in this growth process. "Those three days of running have been very, very important. I think we are doing well somehow for where we are in our journey. The reliability is always very critical, but we had several problems, small ones, not dramatic, and I think here again there is a lot of positives." Binotto’s focus on the "positives" of identifying and addressing issues early illustrates a pragmatic approach to development, viewing challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than impediments.
Nico Hulkenberg, the German driver with 250 Grand Prix starts to his name, echoed Binotto’s sentiments, highlighting Friday as "our best day here this week." Hulkenberg’s extensive experience across multiple F1 teams provides a valuable benchmark for Audi’s development. "More than 140 laps," he noted to F1 TV, "Some good mileage for the car and for all the components, and on the PU side, it’s important for us to get that sort of mileage." The accumulation of laps is crucial not only for validating component reliability but also for gathering performance data and allowing drivers to acclimatize to the new machinery.
Hulkenberg emphasized the analytical phase that now follows: "Many lessons there again that we’ll obviously analyse. So yeah, a lot of info to digest and reflect on and then obviously regroup and go again in Bahrain." His perspective underscores the iterative nature of F1 development, where every track session generates vast amounts of data that must be meticulously analyzed and translated into actionable improvements. He concluded with an optimistic summary: "All in all, positive week. We’re obviously just at the beginning – many, many findings and learnings day by day as we go, but it’s been good."
The "very, very long" to-do list for Audi encompasses a broad spectrum of engineering and operational challenges. It includes refining the complex power unit to maximize both performance and reliability under the new electrical energy mandate, optimizing the lighter and less downforce-dependent chassis for aerodynamic efficiency, and integrating all systems seamlessly. Furthermore, the list extends to operational procedures, driver feedback integration, and the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. For a new entrant, the task is compounded by the need to establish new team synergies and workflows while simultaneously developing a competitive package. The Barcelona shakedown served as the foundational step in this arduous yet exhilarating journey. The upcoming Bahrain tests will provide the next critical benchmark, allowing Audi to gauge its progress and further refine its extensive development agenda ahead of its much-anticipated F1 debut.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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