AUTONEWS

F1 2024: Mercedes advanced to 2024 and Audi already running after Mattia Binotto

As the 2023 Formula 1 season comes to an end with the complete dominance of Red Bull, the grid manufacturers are already preparing for the revolution in engine regulations from 2026 and are planning the first tests. According to the Italian portal Formu1a.Uno, the initial activities with the new power units on the dynamometer will take place during 2024, and Mercedes has a few months advantage over its rivals.

The German team, which produced the most powerful engine in Formula 1 during much of the Hybrid Era, ended up being displaced by the Japanese Honda in recent years, completely dominated by Red Bull. Seeking to regain its leading role in the category, Mercedes prepares its tests a few months in advance compared to its rivals, which may or may not translate into an advantage on the track.

The new 2026 rules will retain V6 engines, but with one big difference. Kinetic energy recovery through MGU-K will be increased and MGU-H (thermal energy recovery system) will be abolished.

Thus, power units will become much more dependent on the electrical part of the system, which still raises concerns, especially in relation to energy recovery. Also according to the portal, the new fuel injectors will be standardized in all cars and produced by the Italian Marelli Europe [formerly Magneti Marelli], which won the competition with Bosch — which currently supplies parts to Ferrari.

The news, however, does not stop there. Audi, which is preparing its entry into the category precisely for 2026, is the manufacturer that has suffered the most with the production of the new engine, according to the vehicle. Trying to remedy the situation, the German company is considering hiring Italian Mattia Binotto, who was head of Ferrari's engine department.

During his career at the Italian team, which also involved the position of technical director, Binotto was instrumental in recovering the engine manufactured by the Scuderia and ended up being promoted to team leader in 2019. The trajectory lasted until the end of 2022, when the manager was removed from the team and replaced by Frédéric Vasseur.

Despite problems related to engine production, the vehicle guarantees that Audi will not consider abandoning plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026, in partnership with Sauber — which will no longer be Alfa Romeo from 2024 onwards.

​by: Mundoquatrorodas