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Audi announce major 2026 setback amid F1 preparations

Audi are set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Friday 5 January 2024 11:57

Sauber F1's technical director, James Key, has claimed that the team will not be the 'final product' until their second year under Audi, in 2027.

Alfa Romeo, who will race under a brand new name next year, ended 2023 ninth in the constructors' championship, just four points clear of Haas in last place.

Although all eyes are on 2026 and the arrival of Audi, Key has warned people not to build up expectations too much.

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The former McLaren man admitted that there is still plenty of work to be done and that 2026 may still be a formative year for the team.

2023 proved to be a difficult season for Alfa Romeo

Zhou Guanyu (L) and Valtteri Bottas (R) will continue with the team in 2024

Audi F1: We will be final product in 2027

“There is a lead time to people of course, with garden periods. So we're aware of that," Key told Motorsport.com.

"We're certainly not waiting for that, there's a lot of stuff we can do now without any extra people and so on.

“But ultimately, to achieve our goals, we have to expand in all the key areas, and in fact in all areas. Everywhere has got to take a step up regardless of where we are in that process.

“So that's the short-term ambition, exactly what we're doing now, working closely with Andreas [Seidl] on that for '24, as well as the future. And then we'll see how we go.

“I think ultimately, we're probably not going to be the final product that we're aiming for until about '27 time really, because there is a lot to do.

"But we'll be in far better shape as we approach '26. And that will give us the opportunity to take the step forward we need to."

Audi Alfa Romeo James Key Sauber F1