Audi has dropped the hammer in F1 by signing Mattia Binotto to replace CEO Andreas Seidl. The German team was under threat of losing the plot ahead of their 2026 entry, with a political internal battle emerging. With Sauber (to be Audi) underperforming, Andreas Seidl and chairman Oliver Hoffman were reportedly at odds, trying to get each other sacked. Audi finally pulled the trigger and ended this toxicity, marking Binotto’s return to F1. With this, Carlos Sainz, who was mentored by Binotto during his initial years at Ferrari, and is also Audi’s top target, has a new variable to consider.

In 2020, when Sainz was fed up with McLaren’s mediocrity, the Binotto-led Ferrari made him an offer.  The Spaniard couldn’t resist it and hopped at the chance to drive for F1’s biggest name. The now-Audi leader not only signed a “very strong racer” then but spotted a “great leader” in Sainz. With the then-26-year-old partnering with then-23-year-old Charles Leclerc, Ferrari got its youngest driver line-up since 1968. If not for Binotto, Sainz might’ve never lived his dream of driving in the Scarlet Red car.

With Audi giving the Swiss-based engineer a second chance in F1 after his 28-year Ferrari stint, anything is possible. “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” Audi CEO Gernot Doellner told Autosport. “With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.” Earlier, the internal political tension was said to be one of the factors keeping Sainz away. However, with the supposed troublemakers leaving the team, he could drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg next year.

Binotto’s stint with the German team will begin on August 1. He will take on the combined responsibilities of Seidl and Hoffman to fast-track the decision-making process. It will be a busy summer break for the team dealing with a major shake-up. But the bosses will finally breathe a sigh of relief with a proven performer joining them.

Mattia Binotto’s “great memories” with Carlos Sainz – Audi’s stars align

Carlos Sainz is stuck between a rock and a hard place in the 2025 driver market. Though an outside chance of signing for Red Bull or Mercedes exists, Alpine, Williams, and Audi (currently Sauber) are his only options for next year. Interestingly, Alpine was in talks with Binotto to replace axed Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer in 2023. But for unknown reasons, that deal didn’t go through. Now, when rumors of a Sainz to Alpine move were gaining traction, Binotto’s appearance in the rival team changed things.

Thankfully for Audi, the former driver-team principal duo ended their professional relationship on a good note. “Grazie Mattia,” Carlos Sainz told Mattia Binotto when he departed Ferrari in 2022, adding, “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you to push the team and ourselves forward through thick and thin. Thanks for the great memories and moments we shared in and out of a racing track and all the best in your future endeavors.”

This isn’t the only good news that’ll help Sainz lean towards Ferrari. As per German publication AMuS, Audi is en route to creating a super team. They are also attempting to poach Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack. The Luxembourg-born engineer has worked for the BMW Sauber F1 team in the past. Audi wants to revive this link and with Binotto’s expertise, they could have a championship-winning car for Sainz and Hulkenberg to steer to victory. Suddenly, it’s not-so-gloomy in the Sauber headquarters.