Binotto takes a jab at Ferrari: “They haven’t won anything since 2008”

How long does it take to truly move on from a 28-year-long love affair? Probably a little more than three Formula 1 seasons, at least in the case of former Ferrari technical director and team principal Mattia Mattia Binotto. After decades with the Scuderia, the Reggio Emilia-born engineer has now happily joined Audi, the major manufacturer that acquired and recently rebranded the Sauber team. Under Mattia Binotto’s leadership, the team has already enjoyed a surprising debut, with Gabriel Bortoleto scoring historic points right away. Yet, thoughts about Ferrari and what could have been might still linger somewhere in the back of his mind.

Binotto speaks to L’Equipe

At least that’s the impression his words convey in an interview with the French sports newspaper L’Equipe. The first insight comes when he compares the working methods at Audi with those at Maranello: “My role here isn’t more difficult, but it’s different, and above all, the culture is different—it’s not Latin. At Ferrari, processes didn’t exist; you just tried things. There was no need for a plan to reach an objective. At Audi, with a more Germanic, more Swiss culture, first and foremost, there are plans. Without a plan, you don’t act.”

Then, without mincing words, Mattia Binotto answers directly when asked if his goal is to make Audi a superpower like Ferrari: “Why should I do that? They haven’t won anything since 2008. I want Audi to win,” says the Italian engineer with a long smile. “Before leaving the Scuderia,” he explains, “I saw certain things. That allowed me to make comparisons, but you can’t change things in a day. I’m very happy to see how the team works, but as far as the engine goes, I know we won’t be the best in 2026.”

Finally, Mattia Binotto outlines Audi’s F1 objectives: “The plan is three years to build and two to consolidate, and then to fight for the championship. We have at least fifty-seven projects with clearly defined milestones.”

The tension between the Italian manager and his former employers adds a fascinating political layer to the 2026 championship. While Audi acknowledges they won’t have the best car in the first year of the new regulations, Binotto’s long-term confidence suggests he is building a foundation meant to outlast the typical boom-and-bust cycles of Latin-based teams. Whether his departure from the “Latin culture” results in the silverware that eluded him in Maranello remains the biggest question mark hanging over the Hinwil project.