When Mattia Binotto joined Sauber in August 2024, he found a team in a dire state—winless, pointsless and seemingly directionless. As a former Ferrari team principal and now head of Audi Formula 1 projectBinotto faced a daunting challenge to transform Sauber into a competitive force ahead of the German carmaker's full entry into F1 in 2026.
A team on the ice
Binotto did not mince his words when describing what he saw upon his arrival:
“When I arrived, there were not only zero points, but really even no plans or developments,” Binotto revealed.
Sauber's focus on future acquisition by Audi had left its current operations stagnant. Without active competition, the team lacked the vital feedback loop that racing provides.
“Everything was just focused on '26,” Binotto said. “But it was kind of a problem because a team always has to fight on the track. »
For Binotto, running isn't just about competition—it's an essential tool for growth. He emphasized that even struggling teams must learn from their performance, identify their weaknesses and adjust their strategies to build the “know-how” necessary for success.
Change the situation
Sauber's fortunes began to change with a late-season upgrade package introduced during the Las Vegas Grand Prixwhich bore fruit at the Qatar Grand Prix. Zhou Guanyu finished eighth, securing the team's only points in 2024.
Although Sauber finished the season in 10th place, Binotto saw this modest success as a vital moral boost.
“Finishing 10th with zero points or 10th with four points doesn’t change much. But for us it was about setting the right development direction for next season and energizing the team for the winter. »
The Road Forward: 2025 and Beyond
Looking to the future, Sauber's transformation is far from complete. For 2025, Binotto has reshaped the team with an intriguing blend of experience and youthful promise:
- Nico Hulkenberga veteran driver known for his consistency and technical feedback, joins the team to provide stability and insight.
- Gabriel Bortoletothe reigning Formula 2 champion, brings new talent and a long-term development perspective.
Binotto also strengthened the team's leadership, recruiting Jonathan Wheatleyformerly at Red Bull, as Sauber's new team principal. Wheatley's immense experience and strategic acumen should play a key role in leading the team to competitiveness.
Audi's vision for F1
As Audi prepares to fully enter Formula 1 in 2026, Binotto's challenge is to lay a solid foundation for success. His dual roles as operations manager and technical director give him the authority to implement sweeping changes, but time is running out.
“Today I see a team that is more convinced of what is needed,” Binotto said. “We hope to be able to further develop the current car and ensure that our trajectory aligns with our goal of becoming a top team in the future. »
Will Sauber deliver?
Binotto's arrival has breathed new life into a struggling team, but the path to the front of the grid is steep. With renewed leadership, a promising driver line-up and Audi's resources on the horizon, Sauber has the tools for a revival. However, the 2025 season will be a litmus test of whether the team can capitalize on its improvements from late 2024.
As the team works tirelessly to emerge from its 'frozen' state, all eyes are on Sauber to see if Binotto's expertise can provide a competitive platform for Audi's long-awaited F1 debut.
