Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto rumored to sign McLaren F2 rookie in 2025 after Carlos Sainz’s Williams move

Mattia Binotto is rumored to sign McLaren's junior driver as alongside Nico Hulkenberg for Audi's F1 project.


Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto rumored to sign McLaren F2 rookie in 2025 after Carlos Sainz’s Williams move

Mattia Binotto, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

Mattia Binotto’s return Formula 1 with Audi after a two-year absence suggested that Carlos Sainz would join the German catmaker. However, the Spaniard Sainz had other plans and announced a multi-year contract with Williams. Despite this, Binotto continues his search for a driver for 2026. Rumors suggested that he has his eye on signing McLaren’s F2 rookie driver.

Carlos Sainz after the Belgian GP shocked the F1 community by signing a multi-year contract with Williams. Sainz was Mattia Binotto‘s choice at Audi because of their time together at Ferrari. They had a great bond during his time at Ferrari, so many believed that Sainz would go on to join Audi. However, the Spaniard later surprised everyone with this move.

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As the Italian team principal was left behind with the thought of signing Carlos Sainz, he now has Gabriel Bortoleto, McLaren’s F2 rookie driver, in his sights. As per reports Bortoleto is being considered as Nico Hulkenberg‘s potential teammate for 2025. However, Valtteri Bottas wishes to stay with his current team, but it seems Binotto has different plans. The 54-year-old plan is to maybe hire the young talents from Formula 2 like Bortoleto.

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Mattia Binotto looking forward to work with Jonathan Wheatley at Audi

The Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley announced his departure from the team to become Audi’s team principal in 2026. Mattio Binotto expressed his excitement for working with the motorsports expert Wheatley. He mentioned that knowing the 57-years-old from a long time and their partnership would be great. Binotto was excited about the future and 2026, which is approaching quickly. He looked forward to working with Wheatley to establish Audi’s team in F1.

Jonathan Wheatley and Christian Horner
Jonathan Wheatley and Christian Horner (via IMAGO)
I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert. 2026 is not a long time away now, I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.
Mattia Binotto said, as reported by motorsport.com

Certainly, Mattia Binotto is pleased to work along with a highly skilled and dedicated motorsport expert. He believed they can create the best possible team together with the experience both have achieved in F1. Fans hope this partnership works for Audi with Nico Hulkenberg as their lead driver.

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