Since the 2026 regulations were announced, a series of common narratives have already emerged. Perhaps the most consistent is that Mercedes, renowned for their engine department, are expected to have the best power unit.
Multiple sources across the paddock repeat this sentiment, with all eyes on Mercedes’ factory in Brixworth to produce another game-changing power unit.
Elsewhere, Ferrari and Honda are regarded as the best placed to give the German constructor a challenge in the engine department. Honda have proven their competence by powering Red Bull to multiple titles, whilst Ferrari are reportedly pursuing a radical approach with their 2026 own power unit.
What is less obvious is how the newcomers – Red Bull Powertrains and Audi – will cope next season.
Until now, the consensus has been that both manufacturers will be slightly off the pace. Despite these expectations, Audi’s Mattia Binotto is working hard behind the scenes to assemble a highly competent power unit department.
Gabriel Bortoleto in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Audi laying the foundations ahead of F1 2026
Before Audi confirmed their entry for the 2026 season, there were doubts about their commitment to F1.
The German constructor spent a few years deliberating on the pros and cons of entering Formula 1. Ultimately, they decided to join the grid for the beginning of a new era of aerodynamic and engine regulations.
It was the introduction of new power units for 2026 (consisting of 50% hybrid energy, the removal of the MGU-H) and renewable fuels that convinced Audi to make the jump. For obvious reasons, the presence of such a big name in the automotive industry is a plus for the sport.
However, the German manufacturer is a few steps behind the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari in the development race. There is a notable gap in resources and personnel that Audi need to bridge if they want to be competitive.
Because of this, Mattia Binotto has consistently tried to manage expectations ahead of 2026. The Former Ferrari team principal has suggested that Audi are likely to suffer a deficit when the regulation cycle begins.
Of course, this common sense strategy to lower expectations does not mean Audi are satisfied with just making up the numbers.
This certainly is not why Mattia Binotto, whose engine expertise helped Ferrari and Michael Schumacher to several Championships, chose to join the project.
Nico Hulkenberg in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images)
Binotto lands key signings
Binotto has been active in working to assemble the strongest possible engine department for Audi. Inevitably, this involves recruiting personnel from rival teams.
Due to the budget cap, even top teams are relatively limited in the salaries they can offer. The front-runners often have ambitious engineers and technicians who – whilst senior figures – would be given a bigger role at Audi..
As a result, Binotto has been working diligently to bolster the German team’s work force. Arguably his biggest signings come from Ferrari – Wolf Zimmermann and Lars Schmidt.
Both men played an integral role in Ferrari’s 2026 engine development, but are now on their way to Audi.
These signings are invaluable for the German squad, who are quietly securing some very important signatures.
Somewhat inevitably, Binotto’s time at Ferrari will enable him to access and – in some cases – persuade some key figures to join Audi. The same can be said of team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who spent two decades at Red Bull.
None of this is guarantees anything for Audi in 2026. There are far too many variables going into next season for conclusions to be reached.
Still, though reaching conclusions would be premature, observations can certainly be made. One increasingly clear observation is that Mattia Binotto will play an integral part to Audi’s journey in Formula 1.
Ahead of an immensely challenging set of regulations, Audi is already making the kind of acquisitions that will improve their chances of finding their feet quickly.
Main photo: Andy Hone/LAT Images (Sauber media gallery)
