"I'm very pleased by the chassis," Binotto told the Beyond the Grid podcast.
The team has struggled significantly with its newly developed power unit, experiencing software, driveability, and hardware reliability issues that caused a driver to miss the race start in Australia and China.
"Even discussing that with drivers, not only GPS telemetry analysis. First, we got a good correlation with the wind tunnel and the simulator.
That's in terms of platform from the engineering, that was the most important thing. Again, in our process and methodologies, we've done a step forward," Binotto added.
The current performance restrictions place Audi ahead of Red Bull in pure aerodynamic platform capability, though the engine remains a multi-year development project with structural upgrades planned for 2028.
"But, I think our car is pretty fast in the corners.
We believe that maybe we're even the fourth team in terms of chassis, which as an ex-Sauber, it's an outstanding result," Binotto continued.
Binotto outlined that the overarching objective for the 2026 debut season focuses entirely on cultural and operational shifts rather than championship points or specific qualifying targets.
"We have agreed and discussed that with the team, and as much as we have set a 2030 objective, we have a roadmap to it, and we've got objectives for 2026, but the roadmap is first to become competitive as a team and maybe a challenger," Binotto told Beyond the Grid.
The expansion strategy for the manufacturer includes upgrading the main Hinwil facility and establishing a dedicated technical base in the United Kingdom.
