The German team boss said the team is in a construction phase similar to that experienced by the Scuderia three decades ago. The goal is to fight for the world championship in 2030, for which they need to grow in personnel and infrastructure.
Mattia Binotto, Audi's Formula 1 team principal, has outlined an ambitious long term plan for the German team. The Italian compared the current project of the four rings brand to the Ferrari of 1995, when he was beginning his career in motorsport, and set a realistic goal of fighting for the world championship in 2030: "If someone visited the facilities of Mercedes, Ferrari or McLaren and then came here, they would notice a clear difference, an evident gap" declared Binotto in an interview.
The former Scuderia boss acknowledged that Audi needs to grow to compete with the giants of Formula 1: "We have to grow in the future: we need more staff, more space for production and we are studying expansion plans because growth will be key to our success tomorrow" he stated. Binotto explained that expansion is not something immediate but that they are evaluating these projects seriously.
The comparison with the Ferrari of 1995 is the core of his reflection: "When I arrived here I saw the same thing I saw at Ferrari in 1995. For me, the comparison is perfect: a small, old factory, few people and few structured processes. The contrast is clear: today's Audi looks like the Ferrari of 1995 compared to today's Ferrari" noted Binotto. The Italian recalled that that 1995 Ferrari with Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger was the starting point of a project that years later would dominate Formula 1.
Binotto trusts that Audi can follow a similar path: "There is a lot of work behind the scenes, and we are seriously and honestly building the foundations for the future, so yes, I can confirm that fighting for the world championship in 2030 is a realistic and achievable goal" he stated.
The Audi boss knows the road is long, but he is convinced the team is heading in the right direction. Audi debuted in Formula 1 in 2026 with a season of contrasts. The team has shown flashes of competitiveness, especially with Gabriel Bortoleto, but has also suffered reliability issues and a lack of pace in some races. Binotto trusts that the team can take a step forward in the second half of the season.
The 2030 goal is realistic, but Audi needs to grow in every aspect. The German brand has the backing of an industry giant, but Formula 1 is a long distance sport. Binotto knows success will not come overnight but trusts the team can build a solid foundation for the future.
Binotto's legacy at Ferrari is well known, and now he seeks to replicate it at Audi. His experience and long term vision are valuable assets for the German brand. The road to 2030 will be long, but the Italian trusts that consistent work and the right investment will take Audi to the top of Formula 1.
Audi has proven it can be competitive in the midfield, but the jump to the championship fight requires time, investment and patience. Binotto is convinced the team can achieve it, and the comparison with the 1995 Ferrari is a reminder that great projects need time to mature. The 2030 goal is ambitious, but not impossible.
