Speaking to L’Equipe, the former Ferrari team principal, who spent 28 years at the Scuderia, delivered a response described as “in brutal fashion” when asked whether Audi could match Ferrari’s success. He even ended with a biting joke at his old employer’s expense.
Audi entered Formula 1 in 2026 by taking over the Sauber outfit, running its own power unit in what is effectively a debut campaign.
“Sauber was a small, historic team with perhaps a somewhat outdated infrastructure,” Binotto told L’Equipe.
“It lacks personnel, skills, processes, methodology, space, resources, good testing, a simulator, a renovated wind tunnel, and a more efficient and higher-capacity manufacturing department.”
Drivers have had a mixed start: Gabriel Bortoleto finished tenth in Australia, while Nico Hulkenberg narrowly missed out on points in China, underlining the competitiveness gap the team must bridge.
Binotto is realistic about building a competitive operation from modest beginnings but remains ambitious, stating the team aims to challenge for victories within five years.
Notably, he emphasised that Audi is charting its own course and is not looking to Ferrari for inspiration, signalling a clear break from his past and a determined focus on shaping a fresh F1 identity.
“The objective is to become world champions someday. What do we need to do to achieve it? We make a list and work on it – it’s that simple. At Ferrari, there were no processes – things were simply tested.
“A plan wasn’t necessary for success. In contrast, at Audi, with a more German and Swiss culture, plans are paramount.”
Asked if Audi will look to Ferrari for inspiration, Binotto added: “Why would I do that? They haven’t won anything since 2008. I want Audi to win.”
