The head of Audi acknowledges initial uncertainties regarding the Formula 1 project.

      "I was quite skeptical about getting involved in Formula 1"

      25 September 2025 - 12:36

      Audi's CEO Gernot Dollner has admitted that he was not initially in favor of the company's entry into Formula 1. The German automaker announced its participation in the sport in 2022 as a partner of Sauber, but the project faced early challenges due to management changes and speculation about a potential withdrawal in Ingolstadt.

      "Yes, that’s correct," Dollner told The Independent. "During my tenure as head of strategy at Volkswagen Group, I was fairly skeptical about exploring Formula 1."

      Since becoming Audi’s CEO in September 2023, he stated that a thorough assessment led him to believe that the commitment needed to be strengthened, rather than abandoned.

      "We reviewed our approach and realized it wasn't robust enough. In Formula 1, there are two approaches: you commit fully or you exit. There’s no in-between because if you’re halfway in, you are at the back."

      As a result, the decision was made to expedite the process of acquiring 100 percent of Sauber. This transition involved hiring Mattia Binotto to lead the operations, Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, and supporting Nico Hulkenberg alongside newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto.

      With significant new regulations set for 2026, Dollner now feels the timing is perfect. "Next year marks a pivotal moment - the most substantial regulatory change ever."

      "We’ll have a new power unit and entirely new chassis regulations. No one knows where they will stand, but for us, our team is still in the development phase."

      While Audi is rapidly growing, it remains smaller than the leading teams. "We have about 700 employees, while the top teams have around 1,100," Dollner acknowledged.

      Simultaneously, Audi is restructuring its road car division with significant job cuts, a situation Dollner asserts is not contradictory. "We view Formula 1 as a sound investment. Motorsport aligns perfectly with Audi. It will elevate the brand’s position and invigorate our organization."

      Audi is set to make its debut as a full works team in Melbourne next March.