Seidl: Audi does not want to motivate drivers with salaries

Audi F1 Team Director Andreas Seidl explained how preparations are going for the debut in Formula 1 in 2026 and commented on the situation with the team composition.

Question: What phase is the Audi project in now?
Andreas Seidl: We are on track. If you look at the progress of the project in Neuburg, Adam Baker started recruiting staff and expanding the infrastructure of Audi Formula Racing as early as 2022. Bench testing of all power plant components began in 2023. Today, the team and infrastructure are actually being formed.

Over the past few months we have been working with Sauber in Hinwil to improve the team, which is currently inferior to the leaders in Formula 1. From this a clear action plan has been developed on what needs to be done to transform the private team. grow into a leading team.

We are creating design units to connect the two bases into one network and thus fully utilize the potential of the factory team in the future. I am confident that we will achieve our goal.

Question: Does the fact that the bases in Neuburg and Hinwil are 360 ​​kilometers apart make the task more difficult?
Andreas Seidl: It is good that this distance can be covered by car. Eliminating the need for air travel makes us more flexible.

In our daily work we use modern means of communication, so distance no longer plays a role. The rule for us is: two bases – one team.

Q: Two years before the power plant’s debut: is that a lot, a little or enough?
Andreas Seidl: Work on the power plant started before we announced our plans in August 2022. I am confident that we can start the 2026 season well. The team always wants more time at its disposal, but I believe we can accelerate the transformation mentioned above by acquiring 100% of the team.

This, combined with the new regulations in 2026, should create good conditions for the factory team’s debut.

Question: The Audi project has been accompanied by rumors for over a year that the decision to participate in Formula 1 may not go ahead. Has uncertainty hindered project implementation?
Andreas Seidl: It was important that these rumors did not hinder our internal work. We stuck to our plans – in Neuburg and Hinwil we implemented them step by step. The news of the 100% share buyout was a powerful signal that finally put an end to the rumors. This step allows us to make important decisions faster.

Question: When did the first bench tests of a fully completed power plant begin?
Andreas Seidl: Even last year.

Question: How many outside mechanics came to Audi?
Andreas Seidl: The core of the team consists of Audi employees with extensive knowledge in their field. But we were able to hire the best talent from almost every powertrain manufacturer.

Question: What is the situation at Audi with the preparation of fuel for the 2026 season?
Andreas Seidl: Fuel development will become a competitive advantage. Audi concluded a technical cooperation contract with the oil company for joint development at an early stage. We will provide more detailed information later.

Q: Let’s talk about Sauber. What is the current state of the Hinvil team?
Andreas Seidl: It is clear that we are not satisfied with the current results. We have improved the car significantly, but we cannot realize its potential, partly due to insufficient reliability and problems at pit stops. This has caused us to miss opportunities to earn points once or twice, but we are working on it.

When we evaluate the speed on the track, I am satisfied with the progress made in the winter. The hard work of all team members and the arrival of James Key as technical director in September have already paid off.

When it comes to lap times, we are on par with Racing Bulls or Haas, who have strong partnerships with the top teams and buy car parts from them.

We are even ahead of teams like Williams and Alpine, which have 900 or more employees and have reached their budget limits. We are confident that with proper workforce development and expansion, we will move closer to the top five very quickly.

Q: How is the 2024 car better than last year?
Andreas Seidl: We are a second faster, but the competition in Formula 1 is now fiercer than ever. In qualifying in Shanghai, Valtteri Bottas was just over one percent behind Max Verstappen. If you ignore Red Bull, the difference is only just over half a percent.

Question: How can such a problem occur at pit stops?
Andreas Seidl: The speeds at which pit stops are made make the job more difficult for mechanics and require more sophisticated equipment. Over the winter we worked on all the equipment and elements of the car’s chassis to keep up with the best teams in terms of pit stop speed.

Unfortunately, a problem crept in that only became apparent under racing conditions. We are not happy about this, but we will resolve it in the coming weeks.

Question: Does Audi need Adrian Newey, who could be available in 2026?
Andreas Seidl: There are one or two names in Formula 1 that you would like to see in the team. This is not only the one who introduces know-how, but also attracts attention with its popularity.

On the other hand, Formula 1 is not a one-man show. It is important for us to put together a strong team with the right attitude, to achieve something together. When recruiting candidates for key positions, we have ensured that employees embody this principle. We are very attractive to many professionals and I am confident that we already have the right people.

Question: Why did you decide to sign Nico Hulkenberg?
Andreas Seidl: It is important for us to have the best pair of riders in the line-up right from the start. It also makes sense that future drivers from the Audi factory team will get behind the wheel as early as 2025 to support the project from the very beginning. The riders will be able to help us motivate the team and choose the direction of development, so Nico is the best choice.

There’s no doubt he’s fast. With his experience, teamwork and excellent technical insight, he will bring what we need.

Q: They say you really want to get Carlos Sainz. Helmut Marko even said that Red Bull would not be able to outbid Audi. This is true?
Andreas Seidl: Our approach is not to motivate riders or other employees to come to us for high salaries. Essentially, we have the financial resources of the top team, but we think about how to spend every franc or euro wisely and effectively. We want to attract people who want to be part of the project and accompany Audi’s debut in Formula 1.

Question: Does this mean you need two experienced riders? Or are you ready to take a risk and get a debutant?
Andreas Seidl: It makes sense to have at least one experienced rider in the lineup to overcome many challenges. So we need two experienced pilots or one experienced and strong debutant.

We continue to negotiate, monitor the situation on the pilot market and of course the work of Zhou and Valtteri.

Question: Does Audi have a youth program?
Andreas Seidl: We are currently working on this topic. Examples from Formula 1’s recent past show that it can be a good investment. But I can’t say anything concrete yet.