Binotto is "increasingly convinced" of Audi's F1 project

Reflecting on the current phase of the build-up process that Audi is completing ahead of its transition into a works F1 outfit, former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto stated that he is "increasingly convinced of this project."

Since announcing their intention to take over the Sauber outfit to join Formula One with a works team, Audi has made several changes to its structure.

The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer revealed last August that former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto would join the Hinwil-based squad that is still competing under the Audi name this year.

The Swiss engineer took on the role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, with Audi having confirmed that Binotto would be the "overall technical interface between the development teams in Hinwil and Audi Formula Racing GmbH at the Audi site in Neuburg an der Donau, which is responsible for development of the power unit."

At the same time, Audi also appointed Red Bull's former Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, who joined the team as their new team principal. Having spent his gardening leave after the announcement, Wheatley commenced his role this April.

Audi has recently announced further changes to its management. The restructuring saw Binotto expand his role, becoming responsible for development activities at the Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau facilities, as well as at the future technical center in England.

Reflecting on the current process, Binotto stressed that he and Wheatley will have different roles, with the Swiss-Italian set to focus on organisational matters.

“It won’t necessarily be in the technical area, on the car. We are lucky to have started from a blank sheet of paper and therefore we can set up the team with an organisation that is perhaps different from the others.”

“We have already started: between me and Jonathan there is a division of tasks that the others don’t have. I will focus more on the organisational part of the company, while he will dedicate himself to managing the 24 grands prix.”

The 55-year-old stated that he is convinced of Audi's F1 project, claiming that the German marque has been putting the necessary energy into its F1 organisation.

“I am increasingly convinced of this project. In addition to being attracted by what the brand represents in motorsport, I am attracted by the possibility of writing the history of the four rings in Formula 1.

“I was convinced by Audi’s desire to do well and to put the energy into the project. There is the conviction, despite the difficulties that the automotive industry is experiencing, to reach our goal by 2030. This is a team game, not an individual game.”

Signing off with a word for this year's targets, Binotto said: It must be a year of growth, if possible. I don’t think our position in the Constructors’ Championship matters as much as fighting for points at every race, and we need to find consistency in results, that would be a major leap.”