Sainz details impact following seismic Audi decision

Carlos Sainz has no doubt former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will prove “a great asset” to Audi following its recent seismic decision.

Midway through its three-year programme ahead of making its F1 debut in 2026 following the introduction of new power unit rules, Audi opted to make a major change in management.

Its restructuring resulted in the departure of chief representative Oliver Hoffmann and Sauber Motorsport CEO Andreas Seidl, who was previously team principal of McLaren. 

Binotto, who left his position as Ferrari team principal at the end of the 2022 season and had maintained a low profile thereafter, has now started work as COO and CTO at Sauber Motorsport. 

Sainz worked with Binotto for two seasons before the latter’s exit. The 54-year-old was at the helm when he decided to replace Sebastian Vettel with the Spanish driver.

“I’m not up to date with everything that is going on at every team,” said Sainz. “But of course, I think the arrival of Mattia to any team is positive, mainly because he has the experience of what it takes to build a team that is a top team nowadays, like it is at Ferrari.

“He has that experience from Ferrari that he can bring into Audi, and I’m sure it’s a great asset for them. That’s why they hired him, and of course, I wish him all the best there.”

Binotto’s appointment could potentially have been a late lure for Sainz to join the team, which will continue as Stake in 2025 before it transitions into the works team.

Sainz, though, has now committed his future to Williams for the next two seasons, and potentially beyond, after it was finally announced earlier this week where he would be driving following months of speculation.