Ralf Schumacher claims Audi made a ‘very big bang’ by signing Mattia Binotto
Ralf Schumacher highlighted that Mattia Binotto's Audi arrival could convince Carlos Sainz to join the German carmaker.
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Ralf Schumacher and Mattia Binotto ( via IMAGO)
Mattia Binotto makes his F1 return after being apart for two years. Former Ferrari team principal Binotto was announced as Audi’s Formula 1 project’s new leader on social media. Audi is set to make an entry in F1 by acquiring Sauber in 2026. Ralf Schumacher stated, signing of Italian will be a good start for Audi in their initial years.
Former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher passed comments about the recent announcement regarding Audi. He mentioned that the German manufacturer signing Mattia Binotto before the new season was very significant and surprising. He highlighted that Binotto is a very experienced and knowledgeable figure in F1. Schumacher stated that having someone as experienced as Binotto is crucial for Audi’s success in the competitive world of Formula 1.
It's a very big bang. Changing personnel before the start is very interesting. I'm excited. Audi has at least managed to get an experienced man in which is important.Ralf Schumacher said, as reported by RacingNews365
Ralf Schumacher pointed out that Mattia Binotto was a big fan of Carlos Sainz, who was previously rumored to join Audi. Schumacher suggested that the 54-year-old’s hiring might have had political motives behind it. The decision to hire the Italian might’ve reflected a desire to support those with connections and positive experiences with Sainz. Binotto and Sainz had previously worked together at Ferrari and had gotten along well. The German believed that these positive relationships and past experiences could have influenced the decisions of Audi’s F1 team. This could convince the Ferrar driver to join the carmaker.
He is a convinced fan and friend of Carlos Sainz. That could also have been political in the background. That they say: We would like to have this and that person to support us. And the two know each other from Ferrari and really enjoyed working together. That's probably where the wind will blow from.Ralf Schumacher added.
Ralf Schumacher believes Mattia Binotto can do a good job at Audi
Ralf Schumacher highlighted that there were internal conflicts within Audi. He pointed out that Oliver Hoffman, who is the chairman of the Board of directors of Sauber, who is leaving the company, tried to take out Andreas Seidl from his role. The German reckoned that these internal battles might have influenced the decisions being made of Binotto’s admission. This affected the choices Audi made about their team management.
There were probably tensions there too. Oliver Hoffmann, who now also has to go, tried internally to drive Andreas Seidl out. I could imagine that this fight also led to the decision being made.Ralf Schumacher stated.
Ralf Schumacher mentioned that the recent changes were likely unexpected for Andreas Seidl and that he was probably surprised by the situation. The 49-year-old also expressed confidence in Binotto’s abilities, suggesting that he is skilled and capable. However, he acknowledged that the Italian would face a significant challenge in managing the team initially.
That is also very surprising for Andreas Seidl, I'm very sure of that. But Mattia Binotto is certainly someone who can do a good job. But this is also a huge task for him.Ralf Schumacher added.
Certainly, Ralf Schumacher believed in Binotto’s abilities despite being not in contact with F1 for the last two years. He is optimistic that the 54-year-old will manage the team more prominently than the earlier team principal. Fans are eager to watch the former Ferrari principal manage the German outfit.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)