Growing Pains: Analyzing Audi's Challenging Start in F1

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      As I walked through the Formula 1 section of Audi Sport’s cutting-edge facility in Neuburg, Germany, I entered a room filled with machines that looked like they belonged in a sci-fi lab. The engineer overseeing that area explained that the robotic needle beside him could, with just a light touch, examine any car component for internal fractures that are thousands of times thinner than a human hair. He gestured to a poster that purportedly provided evidence for everything he claimed. The poster was in German.

      I remarked, “So this is how a sport that began with cars worked on in barns and raced by chain smokers became so costly, right?” He didn’t find it funny. For him, in his small part of a complex that required hundreds of millions of dollars to construct and furnish, that very scientific approach is what sets apart a podium finish from one that fails to score points; finishing the race from crashing out dramatically; achieving a victory for Audi in the only racing category it hasn’t conquered yet versus wishing for it. It’s all that matters.

      Jerry Perez, Rudy Carezzevoli

      That was last November. Since then, the newly established Audi Revolut F1 Team—a complete transformation of the Sauber team based in Hinwil, Switzerland—has experienced a rollercoaster ride in its inaugural season at the top level of motorsport. The journey kicked off on a high note in Australia, where the team scored points in its very first F1 race, an almost unimaginable feat.

      China presented a mixed bag, with one DNF in the sprint race and one DNS on Sunday. Things then took a downward turn when Jonathan Wheatley, the team principal who had become the public face of the team thanks to his optimistic outlook, abruptly left his position after just two races. No prior notice, no explanation (at least none publicly acknowledged by either side). Perhaps the next season of Drive to Survive will reveal what truly transpired.

      “This is motorsport, you can never be conservative. We push the boundaries. We’re pushing the limits.” - Allan McNish

      After attending the Japanese, Miami, and Canadian Grand Prix and engaging with the team in various ways—mostly being greeted with “You again?!” by the drivers—I’ve gained insight into their jam-packed schedules, long workdays, and the emotional ups and downs of every race weekend. From witnessing Mattia Binotto’s first day as Team Principal in Suzuka to Allan McNish’s debut as Racing Director in Miami, and both cars completing all six track sessions in Canada, Audi’s journey has been long and challenging, but the reality is that it’s only just begun.

      In Japan, the atmosphere felt somber. The shock from Wheatley’s departure was evident on the faces of team members. Nico Hulkenberg even mentioned that he got the news by phone from his mother after she saw it on television. Nevertheless, there were positive aspects. Both cars finished the race on Sunday, and Hulkenberg even set the top-speed record at Suzuka at 217 mph, ultimately finishing in 11th place, just shy of the points-paying 10th position. Gabriel Bortoleto crossed the finish line in 13th. More significantly, Suzuka symbolized both an end and a new beginning for the fledgling team, which clearly had much work ahead before traveling to the United States.

      Next on the schedule: a five-week break after the cancellation of both Middle Eastern races.

      Andy Hone

      Time to Regroup

      I arrived bright and early on Thursday at the Miami International Autodrome (a.k.a. the parking lot of Hard Rock Stadium) to a completely different atmosphere compared to Japan. Moments after stepping into the team’s hospitality area, set up on the gleaming football turf, I spotted Binotto coming in with a broad smile. Following him was the key figure of the weekend: Allan McNish. The former F1 driver, three-time Le Mans champion, and renowned sports car racer appeared cheerful as he interacted with the team.

      Recognized as an Audi legend, the famous Scot was there with a clear purpose: to take over where Wheatley left off, inspire the team, and establish a robust foundation that will continue to deliver in the seasons ahead. I sat down with him on Friday after FP1 to discuss his rise from director of driver development to racing director.

      “You can’t change who you are; you can’t change your DNA or your personality,” McNish told The Drive when asked how his leadership style may resemble or differ from Wheatley’s. “I have a distinct way of working with people. I understand Audi very well; I’ve been with them for 25 years, you know. If you cut me in half, you’d see the rings somewhere in there.

      “At the same time, this is a