Audi not spooked by Renault’s F1 engine program axe

Oct.9 (GMM) Audi insists it’s not in any respect spooked by fellow producer Renault’s resolution to scrap its 2026 works System 1 engine plan.

Whereas Renault is departing, nearly definitely leaving its Alpine staff with buyer Mercedes energy models from 2026, Audi has 100% acquired Sauber and can debut its model new works Audi engine in 2026.

Former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, introduced in as Audi’s total F1 boss only in the near past, admits that it’ll take a while for the German-made engine to turn out to be aggressive.

“I’ve been visiting Neuburg and the engine is progressing properly on the dyno,” the Italian mentioned. “However I feel it’s a studying course of.

“We’re competing with very established, very skilled organisations with implausible expertise from earlier years. The laws are altering, however I’m anticipating initially to have a niche to get well.

“How large it is going to be, I feel you may by no means know,” added Binotto.

Sauber incumbent Valtteri Bottas, not but even signed for 2025 not to mention 2026, can also be cautious.

“From what I’ve seen,” mentioned the Finn, “Audi will be aggressive in 2026. Nevertheless it’s not going to be simple. 2026 will be good, however making an attempt to win instantly is a protracted shot. That’s the onerous actuality.”

So with Renault-owned Alpine clearly in search of a shortcut to raised efficiency and drastically slashed prices, Audi may be forgiven for additionally considering the same route.

Not so, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner insists.

“The upcoming withdrawal of Renault is not going to have an effect on our resolution,” he mentioned. “We’ve got not even mentioned this concern internally.

“Audi has a long-term dedication to System 1.”

Associated