Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of the Audi F1 project, has called for patience regarding the German manufacturer’s entry into Formula 1
The transition from Sauber to Audi is one of the most anticipated events in the coming years of the circus, but the former Ferrari Team Principal wants to keep feet firmly on the ground.
In fact, it is from the Swiss team that the ‘Four Rings’ manufacturer will inherit much of its trackside personnel, in addition, of course, to the drivers, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Furthermore, the foundations for the project planned by Audi in view of its 2026 entry were already being laid between the end of 2024 and the past season.
Mattia Binotto replaced the departing Andreas Seidl, taking over as CEO of the team: this led to the decision to sign the veteran Hülkenberg and the very young Bortoleto, replacing Bottas and Zhou. This was followed by the departure of former Team Principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi to make room for Christian Horner’s former right-hand man at Red Bull, Jonathan Wheatley.
Binotto’s revolution: “Our main goal is 2030”
Speaking of significant overhauls and ambition within the Audi project, the former Ferrari Team Principal spoke to the Reuters news agency as follows:”We are building a nice and genuine belief. I think, as a project, we are on the right way “.
“The investments we are currently making with Audi are all long-term projects, because they are investments that will see a return in terms of performance perhaps in three or four years”.
The major revolution set in motion by Binotto, featuring numerous leadership changes and a completely overhauled pit wall, therefore preaches patience, with its primary objective set for… 2030.
“I think patience is needed, as we are still in the building phase. I do not expect at all to have the best engine next year, but it doesn’t matter because we know we have set our goals for 2030. We do not intend to be a surprise next year“.
Honesty or just hiding? We will only know the truth from the F1 Tests in february.
Photos: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber, Audi F1 Racing Team
