{"id":1881794,"date":"2026-04-14T08:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T05:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881794"},"modified":"2026-04-14T08:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T05:08:00","slug":"audi-verdict-on-f1-debut-results","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881794","title":{"rendered":"Audi verdict on F1 debut results"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Audi verdict on F1 debut results<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mattia Binotto &#8220;wonld have signed&#8221; to achieve Audi&#8217;s early success this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-14T09:08:00+01:00\">14 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Audi Formula 1 team, 2026 Australian GP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Audi team principal Mattia Binotto has cast his verdict on the team\u2019s start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n<p>Sauber became the Audi factory team in F1 over the winter months, following a restructuring exercise that stretched back to 2022, when the Swiss team was selected as a strategic partner for the manufacturer\u2019s entry.<\/p>\n<p>However, in 2023 \u2013 then racing as Alfa Romeo -, the team dropped to ninth in the constructors\u2019 standings, with 16 points. Things got worse still the following year, with just four points scored \u2013 a blank season avoided only by Zhou Guanyu\u2019s eighth place in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>But 2025 saw Sauber steadily improve after a difficult start, registering 70 points. While a significant portion came from Nico Hulkenberg\u2019s unlikely maiden podium at the British Grand Prix, the progress was evident.<\/p>\n<p>Now Audi, the team has made a slightly slower start with two points scored, but has been a constant threat to the top 10 in both qualifying and race sessions. Given the team has developed its own power unit to battle established marques Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, the early pace is to be applauded.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;I would have signed for it,&#8221; Binotto told <em>F1.<\/em>com when assessing results so far.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Getting it wrong can be very easy as well. Some teams are on the back[foot].<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0d564da29566a6b496bae7099cd84166c9dc36ca3d1b7b5cdbaced49f6f2d19c\">  Audi racing legend tipped as F1 team principal option after Wheatley exit   Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;There is nothing fundamentally wrong with our car and our project, which is the most important because once you&#8217;ve got something which is fundamentally wrong, then you need to catch up and address it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You are spending a lot of energy, time, capacity and budget from the budget cap to address fundamentals. While I think we do not have fundamental issues, we can concentrate really on our projects to move forward on the next steps.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With the first three flyaway rounds in Australia, China and Japan condensed into a four-week period, teams had little time to reflect on the learnings of each weekend.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6c61b7e44e478f22e7faf2910172d37834c633567cfee6573fe98ce596fb8eeb\">  New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner   F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But with the unscheduled spring break across April, the entire grid is expected to bring significant upgrades to Miami, with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur suggesting this could result in a \u2018new championship\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That race preparation has been very time-consuming for us,\u201d added Binotto.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce you are absorbed completely by race preparation, you can&#8217;t develop as you wish, so I think that April off, which is not an off obviously, will be very important for us to rejoin, refocus on what are the next developments, and make sure that we are not only fixing problems but developing properly.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Audi<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Lance Stroll\u2019s brutal GT racing debut marred by eight minutes of penalties<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1401753_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> F1 responds to government Indian GP \u201c100%\u201d return claim<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_629261_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-0615678a6e31a161096dea9111db4ddada1c943395c35ac1590f7b806d31ca8d\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-fee01540c7d491f348e0047107366ae2501d440c50354c13276206c06c92fcde\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775207940\"> 03\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi sits eighth in the constructors' championship after scoring two points\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775058292\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a266072_medium.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Bortoleto has scored Audi's only points so far\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774964780\"> 31\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404377_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Former Ferrari boss Binotto is covering Audi team principal duties\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774599199\"> 27\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1394920_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wheatley left Audi after a year with the German squad\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi\u2019s personnel problem: What next after shock F1 team boss exit?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774278394\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1401122_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi has been rocked by Wheatley's shock departure \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How the F1 2026 midfield battle is shaping up after two rounds <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774263176\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/2266585144-412.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Haas has emerged from the winter as the midfield leader \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mattia Binotto &#8220;wonld have signed&#8221; to achieve Audi&#8217;s early success this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Audi team principal Mattia Binotto has cast his verdict on the team\u2019s start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n<p>Sauber became the Audi factory team in F1 over the winter months, following a restructuring exercise that stretched back to 2022, when the Swiss team was selected as a strategic partner for the manufacturer\u2019s entry.<\/p>\n<p>However, in 2023 \u2013 then racing as Alfa Romeo -, the team dropped to ninth in the constructors\u2019 standings, with 16 points. Things got worse still the following year, with just four points scored \u2013 a blank season avoided only by Zhou Guanyu\u2019s eighth place in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>But 2025 saw Sauber steadily improve after a difficult start, registering 70 points. While a significant portion came from Nico Hulkenberg\u2019s unlikely maiden podium at the British Grand Prix, the progress was evident.<\/p>\n<p>Now Audi, the team has made a slightly slower start with two points scored, but has been a constant threat to the top 10 in both qualifying and race sessions. Given the team has developed its own power unit to battle established marques Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, the early pace is to be applauded.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;I would have signed for it,&#8221; Binotto told <em>F1.<\/em>com when assessing results so far.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Getting it wrong can be very easy as well. Some teams are on the back[foot].<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0d564da29566a6b496bae7099cd84166c9dc36ca3d1b7b5cdbaced49f6f2d19c\">  Audi racing legend tipped as F1 team principal option after Wheatley exit   Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;There is nothing fundamentally wrong with our car and our project, which is the most important because once you&#8217;ve got something which is fundamentally wrong, then you need to catch up and address it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You are spending a lot of energy, time, capacity and budget from the budget cap to address fundamentals. While I think we do not have fundamental issues, we can concentrate really on our projects to move forward on the next steps.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With the first three flyaway rounds in Australia, China and Japan condensed into a four-week period, teams had little time to reflect on the learnings of each weekend.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6c61b7e44e478f22e7faf2910172d37834c633567cfee6573fe98ce596fb8eeb\">  New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner   F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But with the unscheduled spring break across April, the entire grid is expected to bring significant upgrades to Miami, with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur suggesting this could result in a \u2018new championship\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That race preparation has been very time-consuming for us,\u201d added Binotto.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce you are absorbed completely by race preparation, you can&#8217;t develop as you wish, so I think that April off, which is not an off obviously, will be very important for us to rejoin, refocus on what are the next developments, and make sure that we are not only fixing problems but developing properly.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Audi team principal Mattia Binotto has cast his verdict on the team\u2019s start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n<p>Sauber became the Audi factory team in F1 over the winter months, following a restructuring exercise that stretched back to 2022, when the Swiss team was selected as a strategic partner for the manufacturer\u2019s entry.<\/p>\n<p>However, in 2023 \u2013 then racing as Alfa Romeo -, the team dropped to ninth in the constructors\u2019 standings, with 16 points. Things got worse still the following year, with just four points scored \u2013 a blank season avoided only by Zhou Guanyu\u2019s eighth place in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>But 2025 saw Sauber steadily improve after a difficult start, registering 70 points. While a significant portion came from Nico Hulkenberg\u2019s unlikely maiden podium at the British Grand Prix, the progress was evident.<\/p>\n<p>Now Audi, the team has made a slightly slower start with two points scored, but has been a constant threat to the top 10 in both qualifying and race sessions. Given the team has developed its own power unit to battle established marques Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, the early pace is to be applauded.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;I would have signed for it,&#8221; Binotto told <em>F1.<\/em>com when assessing results so far.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Getting it wrong can be very easy as well. Some teams are on the back[foot].<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0d564da29566a6b496bae7099cd84166c9dc36ca3d1b7b5cdbaced49f6f2d19c\">  Audi racing legend tipped as F1 team principal option after Wheatley exit   Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;There is nothing fundamentally wrong with our car and our project, which is the most important because once you&#8217;ve got something which is fundamentally wrong, then you need to catch up and address it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You are spending a lot of energy, time, capacity and budget from the budget cap to address fundamentals. While I think we do not have fundamental issues, we can concentrate really on our projects to move forward on the next steps.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With the first three flyaway rounds in Australia, China and Japan condensed into a four-week period, teams had little time to reflect on the learnings of each weekend.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6c61b7e44e478f22e7faf2910172d37834c633567cfee6573fe98ce596fb8eeb\">  New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner   F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But with the unscheduled spring break across April, the entire grid is expected to bring significant upgrades to Miami, with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur suggesting this could result in a \u2018new championship\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That race preparation has been very time-consuming for us,\u201d added Binotto.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce you are absorbed completely by race preparation, you can&#8217;t develop as you wish, so I think that April off, which is not an off obviously, will be very important for us to rejoin, refocus on what are the next developments, and make sure that we are not only fixing problems but developing properly.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092979\/1\/audi-verdict-f1-debut-results&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Audi verdict on F1 debut results Mattia Binotto &#8220;wonld have signed&#8221; to achieve Audi&#8217;s early success this year. Sam Hall 14 Apr 2026 Share Audi Formula 1 team, 2026 Australian GP \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Audi team principal Mattia Binotto has cast his verdict on the team\u2019s start to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1881794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881794","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1881794"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881794\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1881794"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1881794"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1881794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}