Co-author: Lucrezia Costa
The Formula 1 grid is all set to welcome a new power unit supplier as the German manufacturer Audi is poised to complete its takeover of the Sauber F1 team ahead of its 2026 entry. However, their journey has been anything but smooth sailing.
With Sauber yet to score a point this season and an internal power struggle reportedly leading to the exit of CEO Andreas Seidl and chairman of the board Oliver Hoffmann back in July, questions have been raised regarding their pace of development and competitive potential.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Sauber/Audi’s new CTO and COO Mattia Binotto attempted to quell these concerns as he spoke at length about their objectives, candidates for the second seat, and the addition of Jonathan Wheatley to the squad as their team principal.
On the topic of priorities, Binotto revealed that Audi is resolute about fulfilling their short-term goal of competing in Formula 1 in 2026. Emphasising longevity, the 54-year-old also added that they are cautious about the foundation of their “pathway” before they embark on the extensive project of building a winning team and becoming an exemplar in the technical field.
“To be in F1 [the official entry is set for 2026], to remain there for a long time in order to create a winning team, and become a technical benchmark.
“We are at the beginning of our climb; the Everest is ahead of us and now we can see only its beginning. We are choosing which side we should climb from; it’s important to establish a pathway.”
In terms of where the work begins, Binotto highlighted the off-track aspects of racing, such as the culture of the company and the personnel. Stating how they are on the back foot regarding manpower when compared to the top teams, he remarked that Audi intends to inject new blood into their workforce, regardless of their experience in Formula 1.
“You have to work on the company itself, on the dimensions, on the culture. Compared to our rivals we have around 400 less people, we have to add them to our team in order to compete on the same level.
“You can’t find them in two days, and they don’t have to come from F1. Our choice is to invest in youth.”
With regard to the question of when he expects Audi to take the win, Binotto explained that building a championship-winning team is a time-consuming process. Nonetheless, he estimated that the German team would be well-equipped to challenge for the constructors’ crown in 2030.
“Other teams have taken years to get to the top. [Jean] Todt entered Maranello in 1993 and the first constructors’ title came in 1999. Same was for Mercedes. It takes five to seven years, we believe we will be able to fight in 2030.”
Although Nico Hülkenberg was announced as the first Sauber/Audi F1 driver in April 2024, the team has yet to decide who would partner the veteran German driver in 2025 and beyond. Addressing the vacant seat, Binotto admitted that they are not in a rush to arrive at a decision.
Moreover, he disclosed that the team is weighing two principal elements before making a selection—experience, which would aid them in development, and youth, which would contribute to the project in the long run.
“We can allow ourselves the luxury of taking our time with the choice, since all of the other teams have already set their line-ups.
“Two are the key factors: on one hand, the experience needed to set up the development strategy. On the other, a young, talented driver who will join us on the way to the top.”
It was previously reported that the incumbent Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas and F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto were the prime candidates to partner Hülkenberg next season. However, Mick Schumacher, who has fulfilled the role of a reserve driver for Mercedes since his departure from Haas at the end of 2022, has emerged as a contender recently.
When asked specifically about the German, who Binotto is familiar with from his days as the Ferrari team principal, he confirmed that Schumacher is one of the candidates that Audi is considering.
“Of course, we’re evaluating him. I have met and talked with him, I have known him for a while since he was part of the FDA. I know his advantages and his disadvantages; it’s one of the names on our list.”
While the news of Audi signing Red Bull’s former Sporting Director came as a surprise to the wider F1 community, Binotto remarked that he is content with Jonathan Wheatley’s arrival to the team as the team principal. Claiming that Red Bull has finally hit the ceiling for the time being, the Swiss-Italian engineer asserted that Wheatley’s signing is indicative of Audi’s F1 potential.
“I’m pleased with Jonathan’s [Wheatley] arrival; we have had a similar previous experience in different teams. His signing is an important sign, if he has moved to our team it’s because he has guarantees.
“On Red Bull, every cycle has its beginning and its end; it has always been like that in F1. I think Red Bull has reached its end.”
