Mattia Binotto has spoken for the first time in an official capacity as the new head of the Audi project in Formula 1, giving an interview to Corriere della Sera in which he addressed several crucial topics, from his past at Ferrari to his future ambitions with Audi. Binotto described the exciting challenge of building a team from scratch, underlining the importance of starting with a clear vision for the debut in 2026. The former Ferrari team principal also reflected on the choice of the second driver for the new team and the prospects of Mike Schumacher, as well as making some considerations on Red Bull and the cycle that could end. Naturally, Binotto could not avoid commenting on Ferrari, expressing his point of view on how he would manage the future of the Prancing Horse, also touching on the decision to hire Lewis Hamilton.
Mattia Binotto between the past in Ferrari and the future at Audi
After leading Ferrari for almost thirty years, Mattia Binotto has chosen to take on a new challenge with Audi, which will officially enter Formula 1 in 2026. “I start from a blank sheet of paper”, he explained, underlining how the possibility of creating a project from scratch was the key to accepting this challenge. “I missed the competition, I missed being part of a team”, added Binotto, reiterating the appeal of building a reality from scratch and retracing a path similar to the one he took in his first years at Ferrari.
Audi, which will take over from Sauber, will have to grow and reach the levels of the most competitive teams, but Binotto is aware that it will take time. “We are at the beginning of the climb, and the journey will not be short”, he has declared. “There are at least 400 people to add to the team to be able to compete with the big teams”, an ambitious project, which Binotto is ready to lead with a long-term vision.
Second Driver Choice: Mick Schumacher is an Option
One of the hottest topics concerns the choice of the second driver who will join Nico Hulkenberg in the Audi team. Binotto clarified that Mick Schumacher It's one of the options on the table: “We are evaluating him. I met him and I know him since the Ferrari Driver Academy”, said Binotto. The choice of Hulkenberg's teammate will be crucial for the growth path of the team, which aims to combine experience and youth.
Binotto explained that Audi is in no rush to make an immediate decision. “We can afford the luxury of waiting, because all the other teams have already decided their lineups”, he added, stressing that the Audi project foresees gradual growth, with the aim of becoming a technical reference point in the next decade.
Red Bull at the end of a cycle?
During the interview, Binotto also spoke about Red Bull, suggesting that the Austrian team could be nearing the end of its winning streak. “Cycles in Formula 1 have a beginning and an end, and I think Red Bull is close to the end of its own.”, he said, commenting on the recent departure of key figures such as Jonathan Wheatley, now part of the Audi project.
According to Binotto, the departure of key men from the Milton Keynes team could negatively affect Red Bull's ability to maintain its dominance in the years to come. “Every team goes through cycles of success and decline, and it seems that Red Bull has reached that point”, has explained.
Hamilton and Ferrari: “I wouldn’t have taken him”
Inevitably, the interview turned to Binotto's past at Ferrari, and one of the most discussed decisions: the hiring of Lewis Hamilton. Binotto made it clear that, if he were still at the helm of the Prancing Horse, he would have made a different choice. “I wouldn’t have taken Hamilton. Ferrari had their sights set on other drivers, and I think Leclerc is the talent to accompany towards the title”, has explained.
Binotto added that while he would not have opted for Hamilton, he understands the seven-time world champion's decision to join Ferrari, calling it a positive choice for both parties. However, for him, the team's priority should have been to build around Leclerc.
The future of Audi: a long-term project
Looking ahead, Binotto explained that Audi does not expect to compete for wins straight away. “It will take at least 5-7 years to reach the top”, he said, recalling how other teams, such as Ferrari and Mercedes, took years before becoming dominant in Formula 1. The aim, according to Binotto, is to “fight for victory around 2030”.
Audi's entry into the Circus represents one of the most ambitious challenges of his career, but Binotto seems confident he can build a team capable of competing at the highest levels, with the experience gained at Ferrari and a clear vision of the future.
