Ex-F1 driver cites Red Bull example to warn Audi not to ‘underestimate’ Formula 1

Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger expressed his opinions on how competitive Audi will be on their debut in the Formula 1, based on past examples of other teams which the Austrian experienced. As the German carmaker enters the pinnacle of motorsport in 2026 after taking over Sauber.

In an interview, Gerhard Berger expressed how difficult it is to start in a top motorsport which requires a lot of patience. Any new entrant must avoid making too many mistakes to sustain for longer time in F1,. Moreover, Berger advised Audi not to underestimate the sport despite having whatever resources and networks.

You should not underestimate a debut in the highest motorsport class, It requires patience on the way to the top and few mistakes.

Gerhard Berger reported on BILD

The 64-year-old took Red Bull as an example for what he was supposed to express, how Red Bull made many mistakes even after having top engineers like Adrian Newey. Milton Keynes took six years to start winning races. Overall, Berger’s main point was to explain that success in this sport doesn’t happen quickly, teams need time to improve before they can win.

I remember Red Bull, which I was quite close to at the time. Despite the arrival of Adrian Newey, for example, a lot of mistakes were made and it took six years before they were a winning team.

Gerhard Berger said

Gerhard Berger claims Audi to take ‘at least five years’ to succeed in F1

The 64-year-old reckoned Audi’s ultimate goal after entering F1 is to fight for titles as they’ve been doing in 24 hours of Le Mans and the Dakar rally and has seen success. However, Berger believes it is impossible to win in F1 for the team in its initial stage, despite Audi working with Sauber already, they’ll still take at least five years to become a leading team.

Audi has the resources and the great advantage that they are already involved with Sauber in the background. But in my opinion, it is going to take at least five years before they will be up front.

Gerhard Berger expressed

The Austrian further talked about Ferrari’s slow progress at the beginning of this century despite having the era’s star driver Michael Schumacher. Moreover, Maranello essentially had a dream team setup that included Jean Todt. Yet it took the Scuderia five years to start winning the championship.

Look at Ferrari at the beginning of this century. Despite Michael Schumacher and the ideal setup of Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne, that team needed five years before they started winning world titles.

Gerhard Berger added

Ultimately, Berger emphasized that even with the best resources, preparations, reaching the top in motorsport is a slow process, teams need time to learn, develop and improve before they can achieve consistent success. Audi will most likely face obstacles in their initial journey claims the Austrian.

In case you missed it:

• Ex-F1 champion urges Mercedes to give more confidence to George Russell
• Toto Wolff credits Mercedes W15’s new ‘invisible parts’ for massive upturn in performance ‘over the last three races’

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW