Audi’s highly anticipated Formula 1 debut is less than a year away, and team principal Mattia Binotto is working diligently to set the foundation for the brand’s arrival in 2026. The upcoming season will usher in a transformative shift in F1, with new regulations that will reshape the sport. The introduction of smaller, lighter cars and the inclusion of two new teams, Cadillac and a rebranded Audi (previously Sauber), will mark a significant change.

Following a strategic technical overhaul, Mattia Binotto has taken the reins of Audi’s F1 program after replacing Andreas Seidl last year. Under his leadership, the team is gearing up for a challenging 2025 season with drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Both drivers will be making their debuts with Audi, and they are expected to face a difficult campaign, likely due to a car that may not be competitive right out of the gate. Rumors of Audi’s struggles ahead of their F1 entry were fueled by Porsche, who suggested the German manufacturer was heading in an unstable direction. However, no official statements have confirmed these speculations. Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi has also weighed in, advising Bortoleto to leave Audi at the earliest opportunity, as he doubts the brand can propel him to F1 success.

Despite these challenges, the former Ferrari team boss remains optimistic. He acknowledged that Ferrari possesses a significant advantage that Audi will never have, especially when it comes to operations and logistics. Audi’s decision to take over Sauber, based in Hinwil, places a considerable distance between their engine production facilities in Neuberg, which presents some operational challenges. While the advantage of having everything under one roof could provide an edge, the Italian manager is not deterred by this. He pointed out that McLaren’s victory in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship demonstrated that success in F1 doesn’t solely depend on centralized operations. Speaking with German magazine *Auto Motor und Sport*, Mattia Binotto recognized the value of having all operations under one roof but insisted that Audi is not doomed by this challenge.

Mattia Binotto acknowledged that having all operations under one roof could provide an advantage, noting that it makes a difference. He explained that at Audi, two separate companies need to come together and form a cohesive team, which presents a different challenge. However, he pointed out that history has demonstrated it is still possible to win titles even when the car and engine are produced at different locations. He emphasized that it is up to Audi to prove this in practice.

How long will it take Audi to challenge for victories in Formula 1?

Entering Formula 1 and immediately competing for more than just points is an incredibly difficult feat. The challenges faced by newcomers are immense, and history shows that even established teams with significant resources can struggle for years to achieve consistent success.

Take Haas, for example. Despite their technical partnership with Ferrari, the American team is still yet to secure a podium finish after a decade in the sport. This demonstrates just how challenging it can be to break into the upper echelons of Formula 1, even with a strategic partnership in place.

For Audi, success in F1 will require strong leadership, substantial investment, and careful strategic planning. McLaren’s journey serves as a reminder that turning around an F1 team’s fortunes is no easy task. After enduring a period of underperformance, McLaren required time and a significant overhaul of their operations before they were able to compete at the top again.

Audi does, however, have some factors working in its favor as they prepare for their 2026 entry. The team will be led by experienced personnel like Mattia Binotto, providing a stable and knowledgeable hand at the helm. Additionally, they have secured a talented driver lineup, including an up-and-coming star and an experienced veteran. With the right resources, Audi could realistically target points in their debut season. However, competing for podiums in 2026 might still be a stretch, as it will take time to build a competitive package that can challenge for race wins.

The post Mattia Binotto acknowledges that Ferrari’s key advantage will remain unmatched ahead of 2026 Audi F1 entry appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

The FIA has clarified that it has no plans to introduce a cost cap exemption for Ferrari in Formula 1, even after granting a similar exception to Audi.

Starting in 2026, the cost cap for F1 teams will increase from $135 million USD (approximately £108.1 million GBP) to $215 million USD (£172.2 million GBP). This adjustment reflects the added expenses associated with implementing new technical regulations and addressing global inflation.

Audi, set to enter F1 as a works team in partnership with Sauber, will operate out of the Hinwil factory in Switzerland, where the cost of living is significantly higher than in the UK. As a result, the FIA has approved an additional cost cap increase exclusively for Audi, a decision that has sparked discontent among the other nine teams.

This exception has raised questions about whether Ferrari, currently the only team based outside the UK (prior to Cadillac’s anticipated entry), might also receive a similar allowance. However, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has outlined the reasons why the Maranello team will not be granted an adjustment under the revised cost cap rules.

Nikolas Tombazis explained to select media that the issue of salary disparities between teams is more nuanced, as it involves considering the challenges of recruiting personnel from other teams, including the higher costs associated with such moves. When asked directly whether Ferrari might receive an exemption, he emphasized that the focus should remain on countries with significantly higher labor costs, specifically citing Switzerland in the current context.

The racing car designer went on to illustrate his point with a metaphor, suggesting that in a “democracy” where there are nine wolves and one sheep, it becomes clear who holds the majority. While stressing the importance of fairness and consensus, Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged the difficulty of achieving the necessary level of team support for adjustments aimed at fairness within the highly competitive environment of Formula 1. He concluded by reiterating that ensuring fairness remains a fundamental responsibility for the FIA.

FIA Clarifies Decision on Ferrari Exemption

Nikolas Tombazis elaborated on how Formula 1’s governing body arrived at its decision to grant Audi an increased cost cap, emphasizing that the move was primarily driven by considerations of fairness toward the incoming team. He further assured that the FIA would maintain full transparency with the other teams, addressing concerns that any aspect of the process might be perceived as clandestine or unfair.

Nikolas Tombazis explained that the FIA recognized significant disparities in salaries and living costs across different countries, using his own experience living in Geneva as an example, where even routine supermarket visits highlight the issue.

He noted that under an equal cost cap, a team based in a high-labor-cost country like Switzerland would face a disadvantage, potentially having 30% to 40% fewer personnel working on the car. This imbalance, he stated, was fundamentally unfair.

From the FIA’s perspective, Nikolas Tombazis added, such a situation could render teams in high-cost regions unsustainable, forcing operations like Sauber to either relocate or cease operations altogether—an outcome the FIA deemed unsuitable for a global championship.

He outlined that adjustments to the financial regulations for 2026 would address this issue by factoring labor cost differences into the cost cap calculations. Nikolas Tombazis defended the change as entirely fair and emphasized that the FIA would increase transparency around the regulation to reassure teams concerned about potential underhanded practices. He expressed confidence that no reasonable doubts could be raised about the fairness of this approach.

The post FIA rules out F1 cost cap exemption for Ferrari following Audi’s allowance appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

Alpine has officially announced a new technical partnership with Mercedes, set to commence in the 2026 Formula 1 campaign. This development follows the decision by parent company Renault to shut down its engine manufacturing facility. Under the agreement, Alpine will utilize Mercedes power units and gearboxes through at least 2030, marking a significant shift for the French team. Renault, however, will continue developing its engines until the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo explained the move as part of a broader restructuring of the company’s Formula 1 project. He cited ongoing financial challenges in Renault’s automotive division, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a key factor behind the decision. While the closure of the engine division has sparked discontent among Alpine staff, de Meo emphasized the necessity of reducing costs, noting that maintaining an F1 engine program is an exceptionally expensive endeavor.

Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean, who raced for Renault during his career, expressed his disappointment, describing the closure as a “sad” development. Grosjean competed with the team during its 2009 campaign and later from 2012 to 2015 when it operated under the Lotus brand.

This collaboration with Mercedes marks the second instance in the last decade that Alpine’s Enstone-based outfit will run Mercedes engines. The team briefly used Mercedes power in 2015 before Renault’s acquisition and the subsequent relaunch of its factory team.

On the “Pit Talk” podcast, motorsport journalist Matt Coch described Ferrari’s and Audi’s decisions not to pursue a similar deal with Alpine as “baffling.” Matt Coch argued that Mercedes stands to gain a significant competitive edge from this partnership, particularly under the new engine regulations set to debut in 2026.

Mercedes Gains Key Advantage against Ferrari in 2026 F1 Landscape

The introduction of hybrid power units in 2014 highlighted the importance of customer teams in Formula 1. Suppliers like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault benefited from additional data through partnerships with other teams using their power units. As Formula 1 prepares for another major regulatory overhaul in 2026, only Mercedes and Red Bull are expected to supply power units to multiple teams. In contrast, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda plan to focus exclusively on their works teams and Aston Martin.

“I’m baffled as to why the likes of Ferrari or Audi or any of the other power unit manufacturers weren’t fighting tooth and nail to get that supply deal with Alpine. We’re going into 2026 and all the regulation cycle data is going to be important,” said Matt Coch. – “Mercedes has more regulation data than any other manufacturer, particularly than the likes of Honda who is going to have one team, Ford is going to have one team, Ferrari won’t have that many data points, Mercedes is going to have a massive competitive advantage and having someone pay for the privilege. That’s just brilliant business.” – the motorsport journalist pointed out.

Mercedes: Dominant Force in the Hybrid Era

Since the advent of hybrid power units in 2014, Mercedes has established itself as the most successful engine supplier in Formula 1. The team’s dominance can be traced to its early investment in hybrid technology, which began as far back as 2011. This head start, coupled with considerable influence over the regulatory framework, gave Mercedes a decisive advantage when the new rules came into effect.

It took Ferrari three seasons to develop a power unit capable of challenging Mercedes, while Honda endured years of struggles before finding success with Red Bull in 2020. Despite these advancements, Mercedes remains the benchmark in terms of wins and overall performance. By contrast, Renault has managed only four Grand Prix victories as an engine supplier since 2014.

As Alpine transitions to Mercedes power, the French team hopes to benefit from the expertise and technological prowess of the most successful engine manufacturer of the hybrid era. The move underscores the rapidly shifting dynamics in Formula 1’s competitive landscape as teams prepare for a new era of innovation and competition.

The post How Alpine’s 2026 engine choice hands Mercedes a major edge over Ferrari in F1 appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

While Alpine, with whom Mick competed in endurance racing this year, confirmed Jack Doohan, Mercedes bet on Kimi Antonelli, who will have the opportunity to develop with a top team at just over 18 years old.

The F1 Dream Fades for Mick Schumacher
Explaining why Audi chose Gabriel Bortoleto over Mick Schumacher, Mattia Binotto said: “We had several discussions with Mick, and he was certainly a strong candidate.” – the former Ferrari team principal pointed out – “I know him very well from the past, and I’m aware of his strengths and perhaps his weaknesses. I certainly think he would have been a good choice. There were many candidates.” – the Italian manager added.

“Sometimes it’s necessary to make a certain decision, and I don’t believe there’s any reason behind it. We simply decided to choose Gabriel.”

The former Ferrari team principal then playfully challenged Toto Wolff, who also passed on Mick Schumacher despite his long-standing ties to the Mercedes family: “You should ask Toto why he chose Kimi and not Mick. Sometimes you need to reach a decision and then make it. We made the decision to hire Gabriel, and we’re happy.” – he explained.

Finally, Mattia Binotto added: “The way he drives impressed me, especially, as I told him, his ability to develop, improve, and progress over the course of the season. He’s doing this in his F2 season. The beginning was challenging, but he managed to stay focused on what he aims to achieve. He’s shown progress this season, and that’s what matters most to me.”

“I believe he’s not only a fantastic driver with high potential but also a great person. This is a very important aspect of our project. So, overall, I’m very happy to be here announcing Gabriel.” – Mattia Binotto concluded.

The post Mattia Binotto teases Toto Wolff amid Mick Schumacher F1 future: “You should also ask him” appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

On Wednesday, Sauber announced the arrival of Iñaki Rueda from Ferrari, who will take on the role of Sporting Director, and Giampaolo Dall’Ara, who will serve as the new Head of Engineering, with a dual objective in mind. The Swiss team is hiring not only to reinforce certain key areas but also to expand its overall staff, as previous limited investments before Audi’s arrival meant the team lacked a structure large enough to compete with the top teams.

In his latest interview, Mattia Binotto, who took over the F1 project for Audi after Andreas Seidl’s departure, noted that this is a long-term investment, yet emphasized the need for a strong foundation to grow and reach the top. This has included the recent addition of experienced figures like Jonathan Wheatley and Stefan Strähnz to help transform the team.

Ignacio “Iñaki” Rueda will join as Sporting Director, taking on the role previously held by Beat Zehnder, who will move to a new position as Program and Operations Director starting in 2025. Rueda brings extensive F1 experience, having held prominent positions at Jordan Grand Prix, Renault, Lotus F1 Team, and, most recently, Ferrari, where he was promoted to Sporting Director in 2021.

In his new role, Iñaki Rueda will oversee all sporting activities, manage relations with the FIA, and handle all regulatory matters at the track. He takes over a position that Beat Zehnder has held for a long time; Zehnder has been part of the Sauber family since the 1980s but will transition next year to oversee programs and operations. Throughout 2025, Beat Zehnder will play a supervisory role to ensure the smoothest transition possible as the team expands within its new facilities.

Joining Iñaki Rueda is Giampaolo Dall’Ara, who will take on the new position of Head of Engineering, overseeing operations both at Hinwil and at the track. This appointment aims to improve alignment across all performance-related aspects of the car and to ensure a cohesive operational approach for performance on the track.

Dall’Ara, a graduate of the Polytechnic University of Milan, brings extensive motorsport experience, including key roles with the Alfa Romeo DTM team and Sauber Motorsport, where he worked as Head of Test Engineering and Head of Track Engineering. Since 2016, he has managed his own consulting firm. His goal is to drive race performance optimization and collaboration with the Technical Group.

The post Inaki Rueda leaves Ferrari and follows Mattia Binotto in Audi to take on role of sporting director appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

“We’ll make noise.” Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, did not mince words when commenting on the recruitment campaign launched by the Scuderia in 2023 to strengthen its technical staff after a disappointing start to the season, which had dropped Ferrari to fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. Over the past few months, the situation has changed, improving both in terms of results and team management. During this time, the promises made by the French manager have been kept. In order, he signed Lewis Hamilton for 2025, renewed Charles Leclerc’s contract, and started a revamp of the racing department according to his vision.

After the addition of junior figures from various teams, Ferrari’s technical office found a new technical director in Loic Serra, replacing the resigned Enrico Cardile, and Jerome D’Ambrosio also joined the ranks as deputy team principal, acting as a liaison between Fred Vasseur and non-race-related matters. However, the turnover is not yet complete, as Ferrari is seeking (perhaps achieving) a new stability. This involves bringing in new technicians to strengthen weak areas (such as composites and simulations), securing key figures for the project, and, if necessary, parting ways with important people who may no longer fit the new direction or are attracted to new challenges.

The latter case applies to some individuals, following Mattia Binotto’s appointment as head of Audi’s F1 project, who previously worked with the former head of Ferrari’s racing department. The Italian manager, tasked with laying the foundation for Audi’s entry into Formula 1, is trying to convince some of his former colleagues, whose skills and strengths he knows well, to move to Switzerland to strengthen an emerging team and provide it with the necessary experience. Leo Turrini, on his blog “Profondo Rosso,” referred to this recruitment process as an open secret, admitting that some Ferrari staff are looking to switch teams soon.

“In and around Maranello, it’s a bit of an open secret: Mattia Binotto’s recruitment campaign. Whatever you think about his work in Ferrari, it’s notable that Audi has chosen him for their F1 debut. Having spent his entire professional career at Ferrari, it’s obvious that Binotto has invited technicians he knows well to join him in this new adventure. Some have declined the offer. Others will accept.” – the Italian journalist pointed out.

The Audi project in F1 is ambitious and, on paper, has everything to succeed. On paper, because other automotive giants have embarked on this journey in the past with massive investments and failed spectacularly. A warning for the four rings, who, aware of this, decided to rely on an experienced former team principal like Mattia Binotto.

“There are many stories about the scope of the Audi project behind the scenes. The credibility of the brand is not in question, nor is the ambition. Bmw took over Sauber and ended up with nothing. Not to mention Toyota’s spectacular flop. Sometimes I hear people say that if a big brand is used to winning in other motorsports, then their DNA will be irresistible in Formula 1. But F1 has its own tremendous specificity. You can have the name, the money, even the drivers, but you need something more. Much more.” – Leo Turrini concluded.

The post Ferrari: Italian journalist hints notable departure of engineers linked with Mattia Binotto recruitment campaign appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

For the second driver, the primary option was Carlos Sainz, who chose instead to sign with Williams. Therefore, several names are now being considered by Audi’s management, with Auto, Motor und Sport recently adding Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, and even Alex Palou to the list. However, a surprising name has emerged in recent hours: former Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.

The intriguing news from Austria
The possibility of Sebastian Vettel’s shocking return to Formula 1 was mentioned by the Austrian outlet Oe24. “The name of 37-year-old Sebastian Vettel has suddenly gained traction for Audi, with Helmut Marko confirming his desire to return to F1,” wrote the German-language news site.

Oe24 further explained that the recent appointments of Mattia Binotto (who worked with Sebastian Vettel at Scuderia Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, securing 14 Formula 1 race victories) and Jonathan Wheatley (who worked with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull during his four world championship titles from 2010 to 2013) to lead the Audi F1 project could provide the decisive push for the German’s unexpected comeback. Sebastian Vettel’s last race was in Abu Dhabi in 2022 with Aston Martin.

The post Sebastian Vettel could make unexpected F1 comeback: Mattia Binotto wants to bring ex-Ferrari driver to Audi appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

The exodus from Ferrari continues, as Mattia Binotto recruits a new engineer from Maranello for Audi, who could play an important role in the F1 project.

Ferrari, the exodus of engineers continues, Audi recruits a new member in Maranello for the Formula 1 project. After almost seven years with the Prancing Horse, Marco Scourtis, a materials engineer, leaves the team heading to Neuburg, the headquarters of the Four Rings. This departure adds to the surprising move of Italian aerodynamicist Enrico Cardile, as the former Ferrari technical director and Head of the Aerodynamics Department left Maranello to join to Aston Martin, while the announcement of the “five-letter name” is still awaited.

The summer break does not stop the Formula 1 market. While the driver market has much more visibility, daily welcoming new rumors and whispers from the paddock, the engineer front may be of even greater importance. The most anticipated name by everyone, that of Adrian Newey, seems increasingly close to Aston Martin, just as the already announced Enrico Cardile.

The former Ferrari Technical Director will arrive in Silverstone as Chief Technical Officer, leaving Maranello after nearly twenty years of experience. And while Ferrari looks both to Red Bull and Mercedes to strengthen the team and fill the gaps, a particularly active team on the market is undoubtedly Audi, whose latest significant acquisition is Jonathan Wheatley.

But building a winning team and car doesn’t only involve the big names already under the paddock’s spotlight. The German team, based in Neuburg, has been carrying out an impressive recruitment campaign for several years. Engineers from the world of Formula 1 but not only, in an effort to reinforce a team that has long been dormant like Sauber.

The arrival of Marco Scourtis is seen in this light, with the recruitment of an engineer with several years of experience and skills related to both the chassis and the PU. However, the second seat of the team remains to be defined. While the first has now been entrusted to Nico Hulkenberg, the name that will accompany him is still shrouded in mystery.

Source: f1ingenerale

The post Audi: Mattia Binotto recruits new F1 engineer from Ferrari appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

Mattia Binotto, the new challenge is called Audi
The Italian manager, who left Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 championship after almost three decades of working in Maranello, has taken charge of Audi’s project for entering Formula 1. The Swiss-born Italian engineer has been active for a few days at Sauber – the team that will become Audi in 2026 – and he faces an intriguing challenge.

Charles Leclerc’s comments
One of the believers in Mattia Binotto is an “unlikely” Charles Leclerc, who had clashes with the former Maranello team principal in their last year of working together, but has maintained a respectful and cordial relationship: “I think Mattia knows the Swiss culture very well, having lived there for a long time, and this will do him good. He can also leverage his previous experience at a team like Ferrari to benefit from it,” these are the comments from the Monegasque driver during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend – “There are definitely many things he can bring to a team like Sauber thanks to the knowledge he gained from his past experiences.” – the Ferrari man pointed out.

A dangerous road
Certainly, someone who has spent 28 years at Ferrari, the last four as team principal, cannot fear anything, but the Audi project also represents a perilous mountain.

The four-rings brand is eagerly awaited for its debut in Formula 1, and the sport has accommodated it with the engine regulations effective from the 2026 championship, so much is expected from Audi despite the “starting point” (Sauber) being a team which is currently in extreme difficulty. However, if results do not come in 2026 (Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker had “bet” on some podiums), the blame would fall entirely on Mattia Binotto, who has inherited the project mid-course.

The post Charles Leclerc feels Mattia Binotto “can bring lots of things” to Audi from his Ferrari F1 lessons appeared first on Scuderia Fans.

Over the years, there have been many rumors that the Germans were not ready for an expense that turned out to be much larger than expected. Oliver Hoffmann, the man responsible for this project, has been put on the hot seat several times for this reason, and his departure was not unexpected, aligning with paddock rumors that found confirmation.

In contrast, German motorsport engineer and manager Andreas Seidl was unexpectedly ousted. The former chief executive officer of Sauber Motorsport, after his successful experience at McLaren and his triumphant tenure at Porsche in the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning three consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans, was appointed CEO of Sauber to facilitate the Swiss team’s transition to Audi. Evidently, in this decision by the Germans, there was the failure to bring in current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who was expected by many to join Audi after his contract with the Maranello team will expire at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, due to the relationship between the Four Rings and his father, but this never materialized, so much so that the Spaniard even preferred Williams.

The Audi Formula 1 project is not off to the best start, and yet it hasn’t really started: the much-vaunted engine, the all-German power unit, and the new factories promised in that famous August 2022 announcement have not had a, shall we say, brilliant follow-up. As we pointed out before, the expenses for the German company have been well above expectations, casting shadows on the actual entry under the new technical regulations, designed “ad hoc” to encourage entries of top-tier manufacturers in the world motorsport scene.

Nothing has gone as planned, and it’s useless to skirt around it; otherwise, you wouldn’t make such significant managerial changes after less than two years and before even hitting the track. Evidently, the paddock rumors over the past months have found confirmation, and for this reason, a figure already known in the Formula 1 world, especially by Ferrari fans, has been chosen.

We are, of course, talking about Mattia Binotto, the former team principal of the Maranello team, who has been out of the loop since the final round of the 2022 Formula 1 campaign, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The bespectacled Italian manager had been linked to several teams recently, notably Aston Martin and Alpine, but evidently, none of these rumors were true.

Mattia Binotto will have full authority in managing the entire Audi Formula 1 organization, including technical aspects. He will not be the Technical Director, as that role remains with James Key, but he will have his influence. This is something that can certainly benefit the Four Rings team, considering Mattia Binotto’s extensive experience during his time at Scuderia Ferrari, with many highs in his career and some lows that unfortunately cost the Italian side dearly, such as the infamous secret agreement with the FIA in 2020 regarding the allegedly illegal power unit of the 2019 Formula 1 car, the SF90, which also compromised the following season.

Mattia Binotto is someone who climbed the ranks to become the head of Ferrari’s Racing Department, a role that did not prevent him from staying closely involved in technical departments. At that time, however, it seemed he had overstepped, as many things went wrong, starting with engine reliability and continuing with in-season development and driver management.

First regarding Sebastian Vettel’s departure, with the German champion quickly exposing Mattia Binotto. Then in 2022, with poor communication with Charles Leclerc and the major errors from the Maranello pit wall that cost the Monegasque at least two wins in the first half of the season, when Ferrari arguably the fastest car on the grid after the introduction of the new generation of single-seaters that year. The F1-75 with Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of the car, was able to secure two race victories in the first three rounds of the 2022 Formula 1 championship, at the Bahrain International Circuit and at the Albert Park circuit. The Moneagsque driver had a solid advantage in the standings after the Australian Grand Prix, but the Italian side was not able to build on that momentum and lost valuable points due to power unit technical failures and some strategy decisions that were difficult to understand, as was the case in the Monaco Grand Prix when Charles Leclerc started from pole position ahead of his Maranello teammate Carlos Sainz, but Ferrari misread the track situation in mixed conditions and ended up outside the podium with the Monegasque driver on a track where overtaking is impossible. Not to mention what happened in the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, when Charles Leclerc was leading with just a few laps until the end of the race, when the Safety car was deployed, but the Maranello team’s strategists decided to pit for new soft tires only Carlos Sainz from second place, leaving the Monegasque driver on track with old hard tires. One again, a clear win for Charles Leclerc turned into a position outside the podium and another missed opportunity to gain points against Max Verstappen and Red Bull in what was expected to be a real challenge for the two world championship titles.

That finger-wagging at Charles Leclerc after the British Grand Prix fiasco to favor Carlos Sainz, a protégé of the Italian manager, still hurts Ferrari fans.

Many things did not go as planned, and it probably wasn’t the right time for Mattia Binotto to “spread his wings.” Now, he has a new opportunity, a challenge as fascinating as it is complicated with Audi, which is already starting with a handicap and a noisy revolution. Nothing is irrecoverable; there is still one year and a half until the debut, and for the former Ferrari team principal, it is the chance to rewrite his story as a Formula 1 manager, likely having started on the wrong foot.

— see video above —

The post Former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto called to save the Audi F1 project: but why? appeared first on Scuderia Fans.