According to Mattia Binotto, only Audi could lure him back into Formula 1 – How the Italians are tackling the challenge of creating a new winning team
Mattia Binotto, the long-standing Ferrari engineer and later team principal, has been back in the Formula 1 paddock for some time. The 54-year-old has taken over at Sauber and is managing the transition to the new Audi works team from 2026 – a special task for the experienced Italian too.
After spending almost 28 years at Ferrari, Binotto describes the challenge of Audi’s entry into Formula One as one of the most fascinating he can imagine. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
“Audi is entering Formula One for the first time. They have never been there, neither with a chassis nor an engine. It is set up as a long-term project,” explains Binotto, revealing that Audi is the only manufacturer he wanted to work with after his long career at Ferrari.
“And not just because of the challenge, but also because of the brand itself. After all, Audi has already been involved in many motorsport categories,” says Binotto.
First job application was sent to Sauber
With the takeover of the Sauber team, Formula 1 is also added. In this context, Binotto reveals a special connection to Sauber: his very first job application after graduating 30 years ago was sent to that team.
Now, years later, the circle is complete. “I have finally received my feedback and my answer. I am very grateful for that. We know that things sometimes take a little longer in Switzerland,” jokes the new Sauber boss.
He is convinced by the project, the people and the resources, but also recognizes the major hurdles that lie ahead for Audi and the team in order to achieve their own goals. “There is certainly still a lot to do to become a winning team.“
”We are competing with teams that have been established in Formula One for many years. They are large organizations with the necessary structures, while we still have some catching up to do in terms of employees, tools, processes and facilities.”
Binotto knows: the most important resource is time
In doing so, Binotto places great emphasis on the consolidation of the locations in Hinwil for the chassis and in Neuburg for the drive system, as well as on the “cultural mindset” of the team. “Because to become a winning team, we have to change our attitude to what is required,” emphasizes Binotto.
This also includes realizing that this is not a sprint, but a marathon. He refers to his own experiences in Maranello: “I myself joined Ferrari in 1995, and Jean Todt had been there since 1993. Nevertheless, it took until 1999 for the constructors‘ title and until 2000 for the drivers’ title.”
Other teams, such as Red Bull and Mercedes, also took several years to become a dominant force in Formula One. “That’s what we’re facing now. We’re starting out as a small unit and need to transform ourselves in all aspects.”
However, the vision for the future is clear: “We just have to take it step by step, make the right decisions, look for the right solutions and have a clear goal in mind to become a truly successful team in a few years’ time, one that is considered the benchmark for Formula 1.”