Mattia Binotto has already set his sights on F1 engineers: among many, the Italian wants to bring Enrico Gualtieri to Audi.
Recently appointed at Audi, Mattia Binotto seems ready to shake up the Formula 1 world with moves that certainly won’t go unnoticed. According to rumors, the former Ferrari team principal has his eyes on Enrico Gualtieri, the current head of the Power Unit department at Maranello and a crucial figure for the future of the Italian team.
Gualtieri, considered one of the most important engineers at Maranello, has been instrumental in the development of Ferrari’s power units, especially in light of the new 2026 regulations. His experience and expertise make him a key asset for Ferrari, and his potential move to Audi would represent a significant loss, not only for the know-how he would take away but also for the potential strengthening of a direct competitor.
Binotto on the Offensive: Ready to Make an Offer to Gualtieri
According to sources from Formu1a.uno, Binotto and Audi have already made a formal offer to Gualtieri. Binotto’s move is not surprising: the new technical director of Audi is well aware of Gualtieri’s value, having worked with him for several years during his tenure at Ferrari.
The offer to Gualtieri is not just an attempt to bolster Audi but also a strategy to weaken one of the main rivals in the current and future championship. Frederic Vasseur’s reaction, the current team principal of Ferrari, will be crucial: he will have to not only try to retain Gualtieri but also prevent further defections that Binotto might orchestrate, targeting technicians and engineers who have worked closely with him.
Gualtieri Leading the 2026 Project: Ferrari on Edge?
The design of the new engines for 2026 is already underway, and Gualtieri’s departure could be a severe blow for Ferrari. The Maranello team has invested heavily in the future of its power units, and losing a key figure during this development phase could have significant repercussions.
Now, we await the response of the Modena native: however, the danger of losing a key figure within Ferrari remains.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP
Source: DiarioSullaRossa