Mattia Binotto, after a long-standing career with Ferrari, has made his return to Formula 1 under the Audi banner. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Binotto discussed his decision to join Audi, emphasizing the opportunity to build the team from the ground up. He highlighted the challenges Audi faces as it enters the world of Formula 1 and shared his vision for the future.
Audi’s Journey in Formula 1: A Steep Climb Ahead
Binotto acknowledged the tough path ahead for Audi as they step into the world of Formula 1, describing the challenge as, “We have an Everest in front of us, and right now, we can only see the base. It’s crucial to chart our path carefully to reach the summit.” He emphasized that Audi’s success will rely on carefully developed strategies and a focus on investing in young talent, which he sees as a key to their long-term growth.
Investing in Young Talent and Mick Schumacher’s Prospects
Binotto highlighted the presence of the experienced Nico Hülkenberg in the team, while also noting that they are not in a rush to fill the second driver position. He stressed the need for a young and talented driver, mentioning Mick Schumacher as a strong candidate. “Mick Schumacher is among the young talents we are considering,” Binotto stated, hinting at the possibility of Schumacher joining the Audi team.
Reflecting on Ferrari and Embracing New Goals with Audi
In his reflections on his time at Ferrari, Binotto said, “I spent 24 years at Ferrari, and every moment was valuable. However, the chance to start from scratch with Audi was a compelling opportunity for me. Seeing Ferrari win always makes me happy because I understand the hard work behind their success,” he shared. Now, with a fresh start at Audi, Binotto aims to leverage his vast experience to elevate the brand’s presence in the competitive world of Formula 1.