Audi Formula 1 chief Mattia Binotto has conceded his team's power unit will likely be inferior to established rivals when the manufacturer debuts as a full works team in 2026. The German marque completes its takeover of Sauber this year, aligning its launch with the sport's most significant regulatory overhaul.

This admission sets a realistic tone for Audi's ambitious entry. Competing against giants like Mercedes and Ferrari, whose engine programs are decades old, is a monumental task. Binotto's honesty highlights the steep learning curve ahead, as the new era of regulations demands a complete redesign of powertrain and chassis philosophy.

All eyes will be on Audi's performance from the very first race of 2026. The team's progress will be measured not just in podiums, but in closing the engine gap to the front of the grid. Binotto's challenge is to build a competitive foundation from scratch under the brightest spotlight in motorsport.