“We set a goal internally. There will be times when we follow that goal very closely, and there will be times when we will have good weeks and bad weeks as we learn the whole process,” Wheatley emphasized, describing the year ahead as “a crazy roller coaster ride.”
One of the biggest surprises after the first tests is the sound of the new engine. Despite the fact that the 2026 power units will be hybrids with a significant electric component, Audi representatives report a more aggressive and enjoyable tone. “One thing I can say after firing up our first engine is that it sounds really good. The engines of this generation sound more aggressive,” stated the team principal. Gabriel Bortoleto also joined this opinion. The young Brazilian pilot admitted that when he left the pits for the first time with the new “R26”, he felt real emotions, realizing that this was a historic moment.
“Audi” project manager Matthias Binotto has developed a clear roadmap that foresees the fight for the championship title until 2030. He points out that in 2026 the main thing will not be the place in the overall standings, but the ability to become a serious and respectable opponent. “I would be very happy if, at the end of the season, the other teams see us as a strong competitor for the future. Our destination is 2030 and we have to define intermediate stages in this climb to the top of the mountain,” Binotto explained. He also added that, as the former head of the engine department at Maranello, he is aware of the enormous challenge of building a competitive engine from scratch, so the team must remain humble and willing to learn from mistakes.
Along with preparations, there is caution in the Audi camp regarding the interpretation of the new rules, especially in the area of engine compression ratios. Technical director James Kaye emphasized that it is essential to ensure a level playing field for all manufacturers. “We have to trust the FIA to make the right decisions. If someone is trying to get around the heart of the rules, it needs to be controlled. No one wants to sit out a season seeing someone else have a clear advantage because of an engine that cannot be changed until the end of the season,” Kaye expressed his opinion.
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