Audi cautioned that their patience with F1 might be limited.

      Audi's Formula 1 initiative is showing tangible progress, but Ralf Schumacher is concerned that the broader crisis at the Volkswagen Group might affect the program if results do not materialize soon. The German manufacturer has moved up from the back of the grid to contend in the midfield, but its official goal of competing for the world championship by 2030 may not keep everyone satisfied indefinitely.

      "I was very pleased for Nico that he achieved his first points before the summer break," Schumacher told Bild newspaper. "However, Audi must do more than just signal progress to its own company. They are currently facing a crisis, and I believe the racing team needs to deliver some success to prevent the sentiment at Audi from turning against their Formula 1 investment."

      "Targeting the World Championship in 2030 - that might be too late. Success needs to arrive sooner."

      On the track, though, Audi maintains that the outlook is positive. "We've experienced some challenging times since the beginning of the season," Nico Hulkenberg remarked in Zandvoort. "But we've remained united, and I think we now have a competitive package that enables us to compete in the midfield. Our goals have shifted - we aim to score points more regularly."

      "I am pleased with the progress we've made lately, and I feel that we've evolved as a team in several areas." He also emphasized the challenge Audi faces in developing an entirely new power unit. "We started from scratch and currently have only two cars, while other engine manufacturers have significantly more," said the 39-year-old German. "So, it's going to require time."

      Mattia Binotto shares this long-term perspective. "Initially, we had to establish the necessary expertise and skills," said the head of the F1 project. "This is a long-term endeavor. But I am confident that Audi will produce a top-tier power unit within a few years."

      Auto Motor und Sport reports that Audi is already planning a significant step in 2028, including a substantially new power unit, while the junior program is also progressing well. "The years 2026 and 2027 are for development," Binotto emphasized. "We should not be evaluated solely on race outcomes. The first major milestone is in 2028, and I anticipate a significant improvement in quality at that time."

      Auto Motor und Sport even suggested that Audi's Formula 1 restructuring could provide insights that extend beyond the racing team itself. "This might also serve as a beneficial model for the rest of the VW Group," the German publication noted.