Mattia Binotto: I wouldn’t bring Hamilton to Ferrari

In an interview, Mattia Binotto, operations and technical director of Sauber Motorsport AG, explained why he accepted the offer to lead the Audi project in Formula 1, talked about the differences between his new team and Ferrari and suggested that the era of Red Bull Racing victories have arrived. to an end.

Question: What is the difference between Sauber and Ferrari? What is your new team missing?
Mattia Binotto: These are two different teams, and the results show it. The difference is huge in everything from size to available tools. But I see a lot of similarities with the Ferrari of 1995, when I started my career. Back then it was also a team in which everything had to be rebuilt. In those years, in addition to reorganizing departments and the way of working, it was necessary to teach people how to win, to instill in them the mentality that we are not just in Formula 1 to participate.

Q: You are 54 years old, you managed Ferrari. Why did you accept the offer from the last-place team?
Mattia Binotto: Because I’m ready to start all over again. In the eighteen months I wasn’t racing, I missed the fight, I missed the feeling of being part of a team with its efforts, ambitions and goals.

I wanted to start from scratch and the only attractive challenge was Audi’s proposal, as they have the most ambitious task. It made no sense for me to join an already existing team. Here I can rebuild everything, relive part of my past, and that is what attracts me.

Question: What are Audi’s priorities?
Mattia Binotto: To stay in Formula 1 for a long time, to create a winning team, to become a standard for others. Everest is before us, and we are at its foundation. The company decided to climb this mountain, but it is important to correctly pave the way to the top

Q: Where do you plan to start?
Mattia Binotto: You have to work with the team, its size and its culture. If we compare it with our rivals, we now have about 400 fewer people. The team needs to expand its staff to compete at the same level with opponents. But you cannot find that many employees in two days, certainly not in Formula 1. That is why we have decided to invest in young people.

Question: When do you call your teammate Nico Hulkenberg?
Mattia Binotto: We can afford to take our time, as other teams have already made their choice. We have two main options: on the one hand, experience that will lead us on the path of growth, on the other, a young and talented rider who can accompany us on our way to the top.

Question: Is a contract with Mick Schumacher possible?
Mattia Binotto: We’re definitely considering Mick. I met and spoke to him. I have known Mick since he was a member of the Ferrari Racing Academy. I know its strengths and benefits. He is one of those we are considering.

Question: You managed to sign Jonathan Whitley from Red Bull. Why does a team that recently won every race in a row no longer win and lose key personnel?
Mattia Binotto: Signing a contract with Jonathan is an important signal that shows that he has received guarantees since he joined us.

As for Red Bull, as always happens in Formula 1, every cycle has a beginning and an end. I think Red Bull is at the end of its cycle.

Question: You left Ferrari, but your heart remained in Maranello?
Mattia Binotto: I have been a Ferrari fan since my youth. I have many photos and items related to the team at home. The past cannot be erased. But there is a professional choice, so everything must remain within limits. However, I am happy when I see the red car winning. I am happy for the team that I know from within and to which I feel I have contributed.

Q: McLaren’s wins – is this a lesson for everyone else or an incentive?
Mattia Binotto: McLaren showed that the balance of power can be changed. But their results also show that the new regulations work. Formula 1 wanted to improve the entertainment and make the battle more intense. And this goal has been achieved. At least four teams share two tenths.

Question: When can Audi compete for victory?
Mattia Binotto: Other teams took years to reach the top. Jean Todt came to Maranello in 1993 and Ferrari won the first Constructors’ Championship with him in 1999. Mercedes had the same schedule. It takes five to seven years to achieve success. We expect to be among the leaders by 2030.

Question: Would you invite Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari?
Mattia Binotto: No. But he did very well to accept Ferrari’s offer. I agree with his decision.

Question: Why not?
Mattia Binotto: Because Ferrari was focused on other drivers. And if we call Charles Leclerc talent, it is he who must be guided to the goal.

Question: Who will win the title this year?
Mattia Binotto: Max Verstappen takes the title in the individual competition, and McLaren takes the constructors’ championship.

Question: Is Max still the best racer?
Mattia Binotto: Yes, and he even shows this while driving a car that is less efficient than others.