Why has Audi entered F1 as a works team? Jonathan Wheatley explains

Audi Formula 1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley has explained why it was so important to the German marque to join the championship as a works team.

The team, which took over Sauber ahead of the 2026 season, unveiled its livery during a launch event on 20 January with Wheatley present alongside drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, among others.

"Hugely," Wheatley explained at the launch event when asked how significant it was for the team to join as a works outfit.

"McLaren, unfortunately, has proven us all wrong, but my opinion has always been that when you see a full works engine installation, when you see a car powertrain that has been designed to go together from the very beginning, it's a very different-looking car.

"Do you know what the biggest difference is between the R26 and last year's car? It looks like it's a Formula 1 car from front to back and it's been designed with one purpose."

The team is realistic in its goals for the next few years and does not expect to be claiming the constructors' title in the first season. 

Audi F1 Team R26 livery

Photo by: Christopher Otto

"Our plan is to be a challenger, then a competitor and then a champion," Wheatley added. "And it's important that people understand that journey. This year we have our internal culture targets. For this year for me it's all about people taking responsibility for their own role in this team."

Head of Audi F1 project Mattia Binotto added: "We know it may take a few years ... so 2030 is the right time to fight for a championship, it's the right target. If it can be earlier, we will do it earlier. It's important to do all we can to achieve it."

Private testing is underway in Barcelona this week before Bahrain testing on 11-13 February and 18-20 February.