For the past few years, F1 has had its core group of engine manufacturers. Ferrari has been one of the oldest teams competing in F1 and supplying engines. Mercedes have been in and around the sport before becoming a top constructor as a works team. Now, even Red Bull is looking to enter this table with its own engine for the 2026 new regulations. Though Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feels that the Silver Arrows German counterpart Audi can be a game-changer in this new era.

As per Motorsport-Magazin, Wolff commented on how he does not underestimate the Volkswagen group. Toto stated, “I would never underestimate the VW Group, whether Audi or Porsche if they started a project like this [2026 F1 engine].” [translated via Google]

“They have the financial strength, they have the know-how and they have the racing expertise to come up with a great project. I have them absolutely on my radar. They can definitely be one of the teams that succeed in 2026.” The Mercedes team principal is bracing about how Audi can be a potential title contender for the Silver Arrows from 2026 and beyond.

The German manufacturer has already got engine development underway in its Motorsport Competence Center in Neuberg, Germany. Though, many suggest that Audi might have started a little late for a competitive F1 engine.

But, as per Toto Wolff‘s comments about their financial strength and other motorsport expertise, it might be premature to judge how Audi fairs in 2026. They have done quite well in Formula E and Le Mans and thus have the capability to crack the success code in F1.

Read More: Audi Looks Into the Future With “Impressive” Addition to Upcoming F1 Team

Whether Audi can compete efficiently as a team with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull is a question for later. Currently, they will hope to maximize all their sources to show their engine development prowess as per the 2026 new engine requirements.

Can Audi tackle the challenges of F1 Engines to beat Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull?

Stefan Dreyer of Audi Sport spoke to Motorsport Magazin about Audi’s plans. He cited certain challenges they might face from the 2026 F1 engine rules. Dreyer is the Technical Director of the power unit project for Audi.

Primarily, Audi got what it wanted with the removal of the MGU-H component for 2026. Dreyer explained how it is a complex component and does not have application in production cars. Nevertheless, Dreyer knows how little time they have got to develop a good F1 engine. Time is literally money for Audi right now, if they want to compete well.

The second challenge Dreyer believes is about the team personnel on board. Currently, the team has around 100 employees. Although as per Audi’s competitors’ standards, they need more personnel as the engine development moves ahead.

The German brand has already started recruitment for the F1 engine program. Dreyer mentioned how they are targeting a strength of 300 to 400. Eventually, Audi may end up poaching personnel from Mercedes and other manufacturers.

Lastly, Dreyer has clarified how they are looking at long-term growth in F1 rather than winning right away. Audi knows how they need to build a good durable engine without any issues. Then, they can look at beating Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

WATCH THIS STORY: Red Bull Boss speaks up on Audi, Porsche 2026 Partnership

Eventually, Mercedes will be varied about what Audi turns up to within 2026. It ain’t going to be easy for the Silver Arrows too if the Audi package is as good as theirs. What do you think? Can Audi overcome these challenges to become a top F1 team?