Binotto clears up doubts: the German brand will not veto modifications to the regulations, he considers it would be "bad" for political interests to interfere in the decision. This Monday the adjustments for Miami and the summer are being voted on.
April 20 had long been marked in red on the Formula 1 calendar. This Monday, manufacturers and teams sit down with F1 and the FIA to discuss possible changes to regulations whose debut has generated controversy since the first laps at Albert Park. The objective is to polish the aspects that have shown shortcomings in the start of the 2026 regulations.
On the table is the possibility of agreeing on a first package of adjustments with a view to the Miami Grand Prix, although not all of them would come into force immediately, some modifications could be delayed until well into the summer, depending on the consensus and technical viability of each decision.
Among the proposals that have been analyzed, the increase in superclipping power to 350 kilowatts, the reduction of the recharge limit to six megajoules per lap, or even a revision of the total available battery power stand out, added to this is the idea of allowing the use of active aerodynamics at all points or giving more importance to the combustion engine compared to the electric one, all, with safety as a priority, especially after Oliver Bearman's accident in Japan.
In this debate scenario, Audi enters. The German brand bet on Formula 1 precisely because of these regulations, especially regarding efficiency, sustainable fuel, and electrification. Hence, it was assumed that it would maintain a firm stance in defense of the current regulations; however, team principal Mattia Binotto has qualified that stance.
"I think Audi has not participated in the 50/50 decision, certainly, when Audi decided to join, it was because of high efficiency engines, sustainable fuel, a significant part of electrification and the removal of the MGU H, but Audi has not been part of the 50/50 debate," Binotto explained.
His words suggest a more open stance than expected: Audi is not closed to changes if they contribute to improving the competition as a whole, although Binotto does not ignore the weight of particular interests in F1: "I think it would be bad if it became political, because we are all interested in this sport being the best it can be," he noted.
"We must all work together to improve it as much as we can. Yes, there will be solutions that may affect one team more than another, but that is part of the challenge we face," he concluded.
In Maranello, they also do not lose sight of the competitive impact, the Italian team has identified its own strong points, such as performance on starts, and is aware that any modification could alter that balance: "I understand that we have to make adjustments, for the good of everyone and the show, but every time a small change is made, it will favor someone or harm someone," they explained from Ferrari.
The options are there, but any change will require sufficient support, this will not be easy.