From the left: Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG; Jürgen Rittersberger, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, responsible for Finance, Legal Affairs and IT, Member of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG and Chairman of the Shareholders' Meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH; Mattia Binotto, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Sauber Motorsport AG
Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto has hinted that Audi may look to form strategic “alliances” with rival teams to take on the dominance of Mercedes and Ferrari in F1.
Audi’s F1 Arrival
Audi’s official entry into Formula 1 is set for 2026, following their full takeover of Sauber. Despite Sauber’s current on-track struggles, Audi’s impressive success in endurance racing has fueled excitement for their F1 debut.
The F1 Power Play
Mercedes and Ferrari hold strong political sway in F1, with Mercedes supplying engines to McLaren, Alpine, and Williams starting in 2026, while Ferrari powers teams like Haas. Audi will need more than just a competitive car—it will need influence.

F1 2026: Big Changes Ahead
F1 is gearing up for a major overhaul in 2026. Here’s what to expect:
| Team | Engine Supplier | Partnership Duration |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren | Mercedes | Until 2030 |
| Alpine | Mercedes | Until 2030 |
| Williams | Mercedes | Until 2030 |
| Haas | Ferrari | Until 2028 |
| Aston Martin | Mercedes (full works) | 2024 onwards |
| Red Bull | Honda & Ford | 2026 onwards |
| Cadillac | Ferrari (until 2028) | 2026 onwards |
Binotto’s Political Strategy
Binotto suggests Audi F1 could align with other teams to strengthen its influence. When asked about the importance of alliances, he said, “There are a few teams that aren’t in an alliance. It would be good if these teams formed one.”

Audi F1’s Growing Presence
Audi F1 previously stated they were not seeking a customer team, focusing on Sauber. However, with Binotto’s restructuring and the upcoming addition of Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, Audi’s strategy could evolve.
As the F1 2026 revolution approaches, Audi’s ability to form the right alliances and compete with the big players will be crucial in establishing its dominance on the grid.
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