Audi have set internal target for when they want to win first F1 championship

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Audi have set out a private timeline for their first F1 title, according to BBC Sport reporter Andrew Benson.

They will enter the sport for the first time in 2026, acquiring 100% of the Sauber team.

And Benson says they already harbour lofty ambitions about fighting at the front.

There will be a major change to the F1 power unit regulations upon Audi’s arrival.

The last time there was an engine change of this magnitude, rival manufacturer Mercedes seized the advantage.

The Silver Arrows would win each of the next eight constructors’ championships before the change to ground effect cars swung things back in Red Bull’s favour.

Audi want F1 glory by 2031

Writing in a Q&A for BBC Sport, Benson explained that Audi is under no illusions about the extent of the task ahead.

Sauber, under the guise of Alfa Romeo, finished second from bottom in last year’s championship with just 16 points and has yet to score so far this term.

Audi initially wanted to be battling for titles by 2029, but has now revised that to a more ‘realistic’ objective.

Investment and recruitment levels are already growing behind the scenes, though, as their entry ticks nearer.

“Last week, Audi announced it was accelerating its F1 plans and planning a complete takeover of Sauber,” Benson wrote.

“You can take this as an indication that Audi recognises it needs to get serious about its F1 entry, and that it understands how much work it has to do to turn Sauber into a competitive entity.

“Its initial aim was to be competing for races and championships within three years of entry. I’m hearing that, internally, the company now accepts five years is a more realistic timetable.

“But investment is already increasing, staff levels have gone up considerably in the last year, and you can be certain of one thing – Audi is deadly serious about winning in F1.

Who will drive for Audi in 2026?

Audi will have a big decision to make over their driver line-up for their inaugural F1 season.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are the current pairing for Sauber, but both are out of contract at the end of this season.

It’s already been suggested that the German manufacturer aren’t convinced by either Bottas or Zhou.

One marquee target could be Carlos Sainz, who’s due to leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Lewis Hamilton.

Sainz is an F1 A-lister, having won two races, taken five pole positions and finished on the podium 19 times.

It’s unclear whether the Spaniard would be willing to join before the 2026 relaunch, or how much influence Audi will wield over driver selections prior to their arrival.

They have already forged an ‘excellent relationship’ with Sainz’s father, who’s driven for the team in high-profile rallying events.