Valtteri Bottas confesses Audi’s F1 project not ‘super stable’ following major leadership change

Valtteri Bottas claimed that things haven't been fully stable for Sauber since Audi has started the overhaul for its 2026 entry.

Valtteri Bottas confesses Audi’s F1 project not ‘super stable’ following major leadership change

Valtteri Bottas, Audi F1 show car (images via IMAGO)

The current Sauber squad is going to be taken over by Audi in 2026. As the new regulations are to be introduced in 2026, Audi is overhauling the team structure. The German carmaker announced former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto as the Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, who will lead them along with Jonathan Wheatley. Despite these changes, Valtteri Bottas claims that their project is still not fully stable.

Valtteri Bottas explained the team’s recent change, switching their team principal to Mattia Binotto. Therefore, he reckoned everyone at the team will need to understand Binotto better for the smooth season in 2026. Bottas felt that this change meant the team had to adjust and learn how the Italian works. He was optimistic about this and was eager to see how things would fold with the 54-year-old as leader. The Finnish driver believed that getting to know the new team principal and understanding his way of working was important for the team’s success.

Obviously, yeah, there has been a change again and now everyone needs to get to know Mattia better. And yeah, looking forward to actually start working with him.
Valtteri Bottas said, as reported by motorsportweek.com
YouTube video

Bottas stated that even though there had been a lot of changes, the team still feels united. He mentioned that things hadn’t been super stable lately, but he hoped Binotto’s arrival could improve this scenario. This can lead the team to a clearer direction and they can work with more stability within. Therefore, Bottas believed that having a stable environment and a clear plan would help the team improve and achieve better results.

FS Video
But no, it still feels like one team. Like I said, it’s not been super stable lately. But hopefully from now on, things will be a bit more stable and there’s a clear direction.
Valtteri Bottas added.
RELATED
Zak Brown labels MotoGP as some of the ‘best racing in the world’ after Liberty Media takeover
Zak Brown, MotoGP British GP

Valtteri Bottas claims Sauber still lacking human power compared to top teams

Valtteri Bottas was asked about Mattia Binotto’s priorities as he evaluates the Audi project. The 34-year-old stated that he doesn’t want too delve into many specifics. He noted that some things are internal and not for public discussion. However, he pointed out that the team still lacks some human resources compared to the bigger teams. Bottas explained that, although he couldn’t share all the details, it was clear that the team needed to strengthen its employees to perform better in races.

Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas (via IMAGO)
I don’t want to go too much into details. Obviously, some things are internal, but we know that compared to, let’s say, at the moment, to the big teams, we’re still lacking a bit of human power.
Valtteri Bottas stated.

Certainly, Valtteri Bottas claimed the team’s main focus should be on increasing their manpower and workforce to work effectively. It’s still not confirmed whether Bottas will be the driver for the team next season or they will sign someone else. Fans hope Audi improves with the arrival of Italian team boss.

In case you missed it: