EXCLUSIVE: Binotto reflects on Audi's 'biggest challenge' as he assesses the team's journey so far

F1.com's Lawrence Barretto catches up with Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 project, to assess the team's journey so far and the challenge of building a brand-new power unit.

Apr 11, 2026 8:21am UTC

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto

When Mattia Binotto took over the reins at Sauber to continue the Swiss team's journey to become Audi's works factory team he knew the path to the top was steep.

Binotto had previously spent more than three decades at Ferrari, working his way up to first lead their engine department, then run the operation as Team Principal.

During that period, he saw Michael Schumacher win five World Championships on the bounce – but that run only came after a wait of 21 years since the last title.