Audi want to win the title in 2030, here’s where they would rank in F1’s fastest championship winners

Follow us on Google Discover

Audi have officially unveiled their first concept livery ahead of their entry to Formula 1 in 2026, and have revealed ambitious plans to become champions by 2030.

The German manufacturer will take over from Sauber next season, keeping on board their staff, drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto and the Swiss team’s base in Hinwil. Audi join F1 in the wake of the new technical regulations and will become an engine supplier.

Excitement is building for the newcomers, given their incredible success in other motorsport categories. They are hoping to replicate it in F1, with rumours already stating that Audi have ‘broken through’ with their 2026 power unit.

In a press release from Audi, Sauber CTO Mattia Binotto revealed the team’s plans to win the title by 2030: “The goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030. That journey takes time, the right people and a mindset of continuous improvement.

“Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress. Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation.” Audi CEO Gernot Dollner added that ‘this mindset will drive a new performance culture across the entire company’.

This is certainly an ambitious target and an indication of Audi’s drive to succeed. Winning the championship in 2030 would put them among the fastest F1 winners in history, but where exactly would they rank?

Where Audi would rank among F1’s fastest championship winners if they win the title in 2030

If Audi were to become champions in 2030, it would have taken them five seasons after their entry in 2026. This feat would put them level with Vanwall, who became the first constructors’ championship winners in 1958, and Brabham, after founder and driver Jack Brabham won in 1966.

While this would be a hugely impressive accomplishment, many teams have become champions in a shorter period of time.

Jackie Stewart took Matra to their first and only constructors’ title in 1969, in what was their fourth year in F1. It also took Williams four years to achieve their first title, courtesy of Alan Jones in 1980.

Ferrari, F1’s most successful team, took just three years to grab their first accolade, with Alberto Ascari becoming champion in 1952. However, three teams in the sport’s history achieved glory at the first attempt.

Naturally, F1’s first-ever champions are among them, and that was Alfa Romeo, with Nino Farina becoming the first drivers’ champion. Mercedes entered the sport in 1954, and after signing Juan Manuel Fangio mid-season from Maserati, he clinched his second and the Silver Arrows’ first title.

A debut winner in F1 would not happen again for another 55 years. Brawn GP won the 2009 championship with Jenson Button, after Ross Brawn bought Honda for £1, in what is one of the greatest underdog stories in the sport’s history.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Sauber from team principal to 2026 Audi future

Could Audi’s 2026 drivers win the championship in the future, or could they look for other talent?

While the future is exciting for Audi, 2026 will almost certainly be a learning year. The team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes on their power unit, but no one truly knows where they are until they hit the track in pre-season testing.

With Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, they have the right balance of experience and youth, and they are both having brilliant 2025 campaigns. Hulkenberg grabbed his first F1 podium at Silverstone, while Bortoleto has produced stunning qualifying and race displays.

However, the longevity of this partnership could be in doubt as Audi search for the championship by 2030. Hulkenberg would be 43 years old by this point, and his teammate is being watched by top F1 teams.

Ferrari are keeping an eye on Bortoleto as an option to replace Lewis Hamilton when he retires. Rumours have also said that Bortoleto would not turn down a return to McLaren, and that could potentially work in Audi’s favour.

Oscar Piastri has emerged as a surprise option for Audi, with speculation growing about the Australian’s future at McLaren. If he considers a move to the German manufacturer, they would certainly have a world-class driver capable of winning the championship.