Le Mans winner Richard Bradley believes that Audi could achieve “unbelievable success” in Formula 1, given their track record of dominance in various motorsport categories. Having spent a significant portion of his endurance racing career on the same grid as Audi’s dominant LMP1 team in the World Endurance Championship, Bradley has observed their approach to racing closely.
Audi is set to enter Formula 1 fully in 2026, following the sport’s technical regulations reset and their majority takeover of Sauber, making them a new “factory” team on the grid. Bradley noted Audi’s history of success in various forms of motorsport, including endurance racing, DTM, and rally cars, emphasizing their commitment and dedication to every racing endeavor.
Audi’s decision to focus on Formula 1 has led to the cancellation of their Formula E and GT programs, indicating their serious intent to excel in the pinnacle of motorsport. Bradley acknowledged that winning in Formula 1 from the outset might be challenging, particularly with regulations aimed at preventing teams from creating effective copies of successful models.
However, based on his experience of witnessing Audi’s approach and dedication, Bradley believes that Audi will establish itself as a strong force in Formula 1 in the near future. While immediate success might be a tall order, Audi’s track record suggests that they will be a formidable competitor in the sport.
