From backmarker to title contender by 2030, Binotto opens up in Monaco about the bold new F1 journey with Audi.
A return few saw coming
After his high-profile departure from Ferrari, Mattia Binotto seemed to disappear from the Formula 1 landscape. For nearly 18 months, he kept a low profile, dabbling in consultancy for an electric engine firm, but far from the front line of racing.
“I had time to reflect and truly ask myself what I wanted. Motorsport had always been my passion, and I realised Formula 1 is something that runs in my DNA. I needed a new challenge.”
That challenge came in the form of Audi’s all-new F1 project, a clean slate, total build-up, and a long-term vision. It was an offer too bold to refuse.
Building from zero: the Audi project
Binotto was not drawn in by a title or a comfortable seat. What captivated him was the idea of building a team from the ground up, designing a car, an engine, and a culture from scratch.
“We’re starting with a blank sheet. There’s nothing to fall back on, no legacy to rely on. Everything we do matters, every hire, every facility, every strategy.”
The project, headquartered between Switzerland and Germany, has since gained major financial reinforcement, with Qatar acquiring a 30% stake in November 2024.
All eyes on 2030 – not 2026
Binotto is clear: Audi’s ambitions are long-term. There’s no illusion about instant success in 2026.
“2026 is just the beginning. The real goal is 2030, that’s when we want to be fighting at the front. For now, we’re only beginning the climb. Confidence in F1 can be dangerous. You earn your place step by step.”
The plan is methodical, build slowly, stay focused, and accept that there are no shortcuts.
Turning Sauber into a frontrunner
When Binotto took over in August 2024, he inherited a team with strong foundations but limited scale. Compared to the likes of Red Bull or Mercedes, Sauber was short by around 350 personnel.
“The people were skilled. But in terms of structure and resources, the gap was obvious.”
Mass recruitment began immediately: over 150 new hires in 2024, with the same planned for 2025. New offices, a state-of-the-art simulator, and expanded manufacturing capabilities are all in the pipeline, all aligned with the 2030 horizon.
Under the bonnet: Audi’s engine effort
Audi’s power unit division in Germany is also starting from zero. As with the chassis, the learning curve will be steep.
“We don’t know exactly where we stand, it’s all relative, and we’ll only get a true sense next year. But what matters is that every decision we make is pushing us in the right direction.”
2026 will be a testbed, not a podium push. Mistakes will come, and be part of the plan.
2026: A new era or business as usual?
Binotto doesn’t believe in fairy tales. In his view, the top teams will still be the top teams when the new regulations arrive.
“They have the infrastructure, the people, the systems, they’re ready for change. For the rest of us, it’s about chasing them down, one race at a time. That’s our mission.”
A new chapter, a new legacy
For Binotto, Audi is more than a comeback. It’s a chance to redefine his legacy, to build something lasting and meaningful, from nothing.
“This is probably the most exciting project I’ve ever worked on. And I want to see it through all the way.”
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