Leclerc Confident in Binotto's Impact at Audi F1 with Sauber

Leclerc Backs Binotto to Boost Audi F1 with Ferrari Edge

07/10/2024

Charles Leclerc believes Mattia Binotto’s Ferrari experience will significantly enhance Audi’s transition into Formula 1 through Sauber.

Charles Leclerc believes that former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto can apply the experience gained during his tenure at the helm of the team in his new role leading the Sauber/Audi venture in Formula 1.

Audi has appointed Binotto as the operational and technical director of Sauber Motorsport to oversee the brand’s entry into F1 in 2026.

Sauber explained that the decision to dismiss CEO Andreas Seidl and chief representative Oliver Hoffmann in favor of hiring Binotto was made to “accelerate” Audi’s integration into F1.

Leclerc, who made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2018, believes that Binotto’s time at Ferrari will serve him well in his new position.

“I think a large part of Mattia’s life also took place in Switzerland. So, I suppose he knows the culture very well, and it will suit him.”

“And he can certainly draw on his past experience at a team like Ferrari, that’s for sure.”

“So yes, he can definitely bring a lot to a team like Sauber based on his past experiences.”

Former Sauber boss and now the director of a team with its own engine manufacturer, what does Frédéric Vasseur think about the Sauber/Audi situation? Is he concerned? What can he say about the arrival of his Ferrari predecessor in Hinwil?

“I’m focused on my team, on my guys, and I fully understand that running a Formula 1 team is difficult, not just in Switzerland. I think it’s tough everywhere. Mattia did a great job at Ferrari in the past; he succeeded, the team succeeded, and I wish them the best. But it’s not for me to comment on Mattia’s potential and Audi.”

As for Laurent Mekies, he also has complete confidence in Mattia Binotto, having worked with him at Ferrari.

“In terms of skills, there’s no doubt that Mattia has everything it takes to succeed there and probably elsewhere. So, I think they will become even stronger competitors in the near future.”

Leclerc Confident in Binotto's Impact at Audi F1 with Sauber

Leclerc Confident in Binotto’s Impact at Audi F1 with Sauber Leclerc Confident in Binotto’s Impact at Audi F1 with Sauber

Full 2025 F1 testing results

Carlos Sainz
1
CARLOS
SAINZ
Leader
Lewis Hamilton
2
LEWIS
HAMILTON
+0.031s
Charles Leclerc
3
CHARLES
LECLERC
+0.083s
George Russell
4
GEORGE
RUSSELL
+0.197s
Max Verstappen
5
MAX
VERSTAPPEN
+0.218s
Alex Albon
6
ALEX
ALBON
+0.302s
Kimi Antonelli
7
KIMI
ANTONELLI
+0.436s
Oscar Piastri
8
OSCAR
PIASTRI
+0.592s
Full Results

Testing Total Distance Covered by Team

1
Mercedes
458
2
Haas
457
3
Racing Bulls
454
4
Alpine
405
5
Williams
395
6
Ferrari
382
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