After four years as team boss at Ferrari, Mattia Binotto found himself jobless at the start of 2023. This year, he was offered a new role at Sauber. The Italian engineer was tasked with overseeing Audi’s takeover and creating a competitive racing team. A considerable challenge, given Sauber’s current performance. “The entire team needs an overhaul,” Binotto acknowledges.
In a conversation with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Binotto compared the future Audi team with his former employer. “They are two completely different realities,” he explained. “This is also reflected in the world championship.” Ferrari currently ranks third among the constructors, while Sauber is at the bottom with zero world championship points. “The difference is enormous, from the facilities to the tools.”
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Binotto Sees Similarities with Ferrari and Embraces New Challenge with Audi
“I see many similarities with the Ferrari where I started in 1995,” added Binotto. “The entire company needs to be overhauled. It must be clear that we are not here just to participate.” Binotto further explained that Audi offers the perfect challenge. “In those eighteen months that I did not race, I missed the competition, being part of a team, and sharing ambitions and goals. Audi is the perfect place in this respect – here I can really build a good team.”
‘The End for Red Bull’
So, what are the Italian’s priorities? “Stay in Formula 1 as long as possible and create a winning team,” he said. “We are at the beginning of this challenge; we are now laying the foundation for the future.” The appointment of Jonathan Wheatley – now sports director at Red Bull – is an important part of this foundation. The Englishman will start at Audi as team boss.
“We are pleased with the arrival of Jonathan (Wheatley),” said Binotto. “We have followed a similar trajectory at various teams.” Wheatley joined Red Bull in 2006 and is co-responsible for all the success the Austrians have achieved. Regarding Red Bull’s recent form dip, Binotto can be brief: “All dominant periods in Formula 1 come to an end – this is the end for Red Bull.”
