Mattia Binotto is back in Formula 1, appointed by Audi to oversee their development heading into the 2026 regulations. The 54-year-old faces a significant challenge, given that Audi needs to catch up to other established manufacturers. Binotto plans to strengthen the technical department at Hinwil through recruitment.
Significant changes at Audi
As mentioned previously on formu1a.uno, there are concerns about Audi’s F1 project.
These reports have been largely validated by the team’s latest announcement. Andreas Seidl barely lasted a few months as CEO before being released.
It is understood that a power struggle took place between Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, who was previously the project’s CTO (Chief Technical Officer).
The consequence of this internal conflict was Audi’s swift decision to replace both personnel.
Putting these off-track shenanigans to one side, there are also question marks about the German manufacturer’s development.
Owing to their relative inexperience compared to established engine suppliers, they have fewer engineers and technicians.
They lack the resources boasted by other teams, putting them at a disadvantage heading into 2026.
Of course, Audi also needs to invest in their facilities in the coming years.
Binotto targets Ferrari personnel
For Mattia Binotto, the first task will be to strengthen Audi’s technical and engineering talent. This is a necessary step in improving the team’s engine department and bolstering their power units.
Logically, Binotto is looking at Ferrari as the first source of potential signings.
Having spent two decades at Maranello, taking the role of team principal in the last five, the 54-year-old has a plethora of contacts at Ferrari.
One advantage that Binotto will have over other UK-based outfits is that Sauber is based in Switzerland.
Whilst this is obviously outside of Italy, it is far closer – and therefore a less significant change for potential targets – than moving to England.
Moreover, Audi have no shortage of financial firepower. Given they are a new name on the block, middle-tier engineers at Ferrari will be top priority signings for Audi.
This means the German constructor can likely offer more money to the Maranello team’s engineers.
It is understood that Binotto has already made an offer to Enrico Gualtieri, Ferrari’s Technical Director of Power units.
While this advance is not guaranteed to be successful, it demonstrates the kind of assertiveness we can expect from Sauber/Audi over the coming months.
