Mattia Binotto ‘talking’ to Audi about team principal role

Alfa Romeo’s Fred Vasseur is the current favourite to replace Mattia Binotto, who has resigned from his role at Ferrari.

Things looked too good to be true for Ferrari at the start of the 2022 season, and unfortunately for fans of the Scuderia, they were.

The team shocked the F1 world with a one-two finish in Bahrain, while Mercedes struggled and Red Bull experienced a double DNF, making Ferrari look like they had a genuine shot at ending their title drought, which has been looming over them since 2008.

Strategy errors and reliability issues quickly saw Max Verstappen and Red Bull run away with both championships, leaving Ferrari to wonder where it all went wrong.

Team principal Mattia Binotto has come under fire from fans and pundits in recent weeks for his performance at Ferrari, and despite the team releasing a public statement of support for their boss just a few days ago, they have now announced that they have accepted the a resignation letter from Binotto.

READ: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz told to take a lead out of Lewis Hamilton’s book

The Swiss reportedly never had the full support of the CEO at Ferrari, with Binotto being hand picked by an older generation of Ferrari leaders, who had different views to the new regime.

Italian media outlet Calciomercato have now broken the news that Binotto is “talking to Audi,” only hours after announcing his departure from Ferrari.

The German car manufacturer will complete a takeover of Sauber, with the intent of joining the grid in 2026 following the introduction of the new engine regulations, and will see Binotto as a statement appointment as the team looks to challenge for podiums in their maiden season.

Audi will be seen as a fresh start for Binotto, who will finally have the full backing and support of the board that he apparently lacked a Ferrari, which could be a much needed breath of fresh air for the Swiss.

Article continues below

READ: Picture: Unlikely trio of F1 drivers spotted partying together

Binotto’s career is not the only one which could be revived by F1’s newcomers, with Mick Schumacher reportedly being on the team’s radar as they hunt for a German driver to match the German brand when they enter the sport.

Valtteri Bottas is currently on a long term contract at Alfa Romeo, and had expressed his interest in staying with the team when they transition to Audi, meaning that a Bottas – Schumacher driver pairing, led by Binotto, could be a real possibility for Audi.

The team will be providing their own engine, hence why they are planning to enter the sport alongside the changes in engine regulations, and Mattia Binotto will hope to get a deal over the line as soon as possible so he can oversee all the processes that come with creating a new project.