Mattia Binotto compares Audi F1’s challenge to scaling Everest, with hopes of securing championship titles by the decade’s end.
Is Mattia Binotto about to seek advice from Inoxtag, a famous YouTuber? The new Audi F1 director is facing a monumental challenge: turning the current underperformer (Stake) into one of the top teams.
For him, this challenge feels like climbing the world’s highest mountain.
“It’s not just climbing a big mountain, it’s climbing Everest. It will take several years,” says Mattia Binotto.
Nevertheless, Binotto’s goal remains ambitious. “Our objective is to be able to fight for championships by the end of the decade.”
Binotto knows Stake is starting from a long way back, as he can compare the Swiss team to Ferrari, which he led for several years.
“When you’re here and you start looking at the details, the more you look, the more you realize where you stand and the main differences from what I knew at Ferrari before.”
“There are certainly many gaps and differences, and this gap is significant.”
“It’s significant in terms of size, in terms of people, mentality, tools, facilities. No matter where you look, it’s really like comparing a small team to a top-level one.”
To make matters worse, in recent months the Audi project seemed uncertain due to alleged disagreements at the top of the Volkswagen group.
Binotto dismisses those rumors. “We can clearly state there is no risk of withdrawal. The F1 program fits perfectly into the Audi brand and its vision.”
“We are in F1 until we win and beyond. This is a long-term commitment. We’ve joined F1 to stay.”
“We aim to become a winning team, to set the benchmark, and then remain at the top. This isn’t about joining and leaving. F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, and it’s fantastic that Audi is finally part of it—they are fully committed to staying.”
Binotto will also face a human challenge: working alongside team principal Jonathan Wheatley, formerly of Red Bull. Wheatley will primarily focus on being present at the Grands Prix, while Binotto will handle group strategy, working at the factories in Switzerland and Germany.
“The collaboration will certainly be successful,” says Binotto.
“I don’t think there will be any overlap with Jonathan, and I foresee no issues. On the contrary, I believe having an incredible race expert like him, while I’m at the factory, will make the team stronger.”
Turning Stake around: an impossible mission?
One thing is clear: Mattia Binotto is starting from a very distant position. How can we explain why Stake is currently so far behind? Why don’t they at least have some points like Alpine F1 or Williams F1?
“When Audi bought shares and planned to become full owners in the future, certain strategic plans were discussed and set internally, but they haven’t been executed yet. As a result, Sauber has been in a sort of limbo for some time.”
“Secondly, part of the energy and focus has undoubtedly shifted toward 2026, to ensure Audi is ready for that start, which has taken some resources away from the regular development for 2024 and 2025.”
In the short term, “the only realistic goal we can set for now is to improve the team year after year,” admits Mattia Binotto.
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Binotto: Audi F1 Success Like Conquering Mount Everest Binotto: Audi F1 Success Like Conquering Mount Everest
