Audi are expecting that their first couple of years in Formula 1 will be tough ahead of their 2026 entry.
News was confirmed earlier this week that Audi had purchased a 25% stake in Sauber Motorsport at the start of this year, and that will likely increase to 75% in the coming years ahead of their entry to the F1 grid at the start of 26.
Certainly, it's going to be exciting seeing a brand like Audi competing in F1 but even with all of their resources and motorsport achievements, hitting the ground running in the sport and being successful straightaway is far from a foregone conclusion.
Indeed, very few teams have arrived and won in F1 from the off and Audi are clearly tempering expectations ahead of their entry, with Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker admitting via Deutsche Presse-Agentur:
“We have to be realistic. The first and second year will probably be tough.”
Of course, Audi are entering F1 with the aim to win in the long run but up against the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes things will of course be challenging.
That is what the sport is all about, though, and it's going to be exciting watching them go about the challenge in the years ahead.
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