Deploy Folding Table of contents
After four years as team principal at Ferrari, Mattia Binotto found himself without a role at the beginning of 2023. This year, however, he accepted a new position at Sauber, where he is tasked with steering the team through its acquisition by Audi and transforming it into a competitive racing squad. This is no small feat, particularly considering the current performance levels of the Sauber team. “The entire team needs an overhaul,” Binotto acknowledges.
The Challenge Ahead with Audi
In a conversation with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Binotto compared the future of Sauber under Audi to his experience at Ferrari. “These are two completely different realities,” he stated. “The disparity is evident in the World Championship standings.” Currently, Ferrari is positioned third in the Constructors’ Championship, while Sauber is at the bottom with zero points. “The differences are significant, from facilities to tools,” Binotto elaborated.
Drawing Parallels to Ferrari’s Early Days
“I see a lot of similarities with Ferrari when I started in 1995,” Binotto continued. “This whole operation needs a fresh approach. It must be made clear that our aim is not merely to participate.” He further shared that joining Audi presents the perfect opportunity for him. “In those eighteen months away from racing, I missed the thrill of competition, the collective drive within a team, and the sharing of ambitions and objectives. Audi is ideal in this respect; it’s the perfect platform where I can genuinely build a strong team.”
Setting Priorities for the Future
What, then, are the Italian engineer’s priorities? “To remain in Formula 1 for as long as possible and to develop a winning team,” he expressed. “We are at the inception of this challenge; we are laying the groundwork for the future.” A key element of this foundation involves the recruitment of Jonathan Wheatley, who is currently serving as the sporting director at Red Bull. Wheatley will assume the role of team principal at Audi.
Insights on Red Bull’s Dominance
“We are excited about Jonathan’s arrival,” Binotto remarked. “Our paths have followed a similar trajectory at various teams.” Wheatley joined Red Bull in 2006 and has played a vital role in all the success the Austrian team has achieved. When discussing Red Bull’s recent performance dip, Binotto was succinct: “All dominant spells in Formula 1 eventually reach their conclusion – this marks the end for Red Bull.”
As Binotto embarks on this new chapter with Audi, there is a real sense of urgency and ambition. The desire to transform Sauber into a competitive force within Formula 1 is a critical objective and a testament to his determination. The open challenges, from rebuilding team dynamics to enhancing performance capabilities, are significant but compelling. Ultimately, Binotto’s vision could redefine the landscape of the sport, as he aims to usher in a new era for Sauber under Audi’s banner.
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