BREAKING! ❗️ Fred Vasseur, who succeeded Mattia Binotto at....

Vasseur Praises Binotto’s Work at Ferrari as Audi Announces Leadership Change

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has praised Mattia Binotto for his previous work with the Scuderia as the former Ferrari boss begins a new chapter at Audi. Binotto, who left Ferrari at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, has been appointed to lead Audi’s Formula 1 project, replacing Andreas Seidl in a significant management reshuffle.

Audi made the announcement ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, which took place at the renowned 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. This move is part of Audi’s ongoing preparations for its return to the Formula 1 grid, with the German automaker expected to enter the championship in 2026 as a works team. Seidl, who had joined Audi after leaving McLaren in January 2023, will step aside to allow Binotto to take over the reins.

Binotto, who officially began his new role on August 1, 2024, brings extensive experience to Audi’s F1 venture. He served as Ferrari’s team principal from 2019 to 2022, guiding the team through a period of both highs and lows. Under Binotto’s leadership, Ferrari made a competitive resurgence in 2022, securing multiple race wins and mounting a challenge for the constructors’ championship, though ultimately falling short to Red Bull Racing.

Frederic Vasseur, who succeeded Binotto at Ferrari, has remained focused on his own team since taking over in January 2023. When asked about Binotto’s return to the Formula 1 paddock with Audi, Vasseur offered a measured response, choosing to focus on the challenges he faces with Ferrari rather than delving into speculation about Binotto’s future success.

“Do I want to comment? Absolutely not,” Vasseur said. “I focus on my team, my guys, and I completely understand that building a Formula 1 team is challenging. It’s difficult everywhere. Mattia did an excellent job at Ferrari in the past. He was successful and made the team a winner. I wish them all the best, but it’s not up to me to comment on Mattia’s potential at Audi.”

Binotto’s tenure at Ferrari was marked by significant technical advancements and leadership during a rebuilding phase for the Italian team. Before becoming team principal, Binotto played a key role as the team’s chief technical officer, contributing to Ferrari’s competitiveness in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. His engineering background and deep understanding of Formula 1 are expected to be invaluable as Audi embarks on its ambitious project to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

Another notable figure from Ferrari, Laurent Mekies, also weighed in on Binotto’s move to Audi. Mekies, who joined Ferrari as sporting director in 2018 and worked closely with Binotto, highlighted his former colleague’s capabilities and expressed confidence in Binotto’s ability to excel in his new role.

“In terms of skills, there is no doubt that Mattia has everything it takes to make things work there, and probably elsewhere as well,” Mekies said. “I believe Audi will become an even stronger competitor in the near future.”

Binotto’s appointment is part of Audi’s larger restructuring effort as it prepares for its official return to Formula 1 in partnership with Sauber. Audi’s arrival is highly anticipated as the sport continues to attract more manufacturers, following similar moves from Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Audi’s development under Binotto’s leadership. The Italian manager’s experience with Ferrari could prove to be a key asset in helping Audi establish itself as a competitive force when it finally joins the grid in 2026.