Binotto says Audi will have confidence and credibility for F1 debut

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Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 6, 2025 Sauber chief technical and operating officer Mattia Binotto arrives for qualifying REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Dec 18 - Mattia Binotto expects Audi to show they mean business in Formula One next season, even if they do not spring any surprises.

The former Ferrari boss, now leader of what was Sauber and will from January race as Audis works team, is following a long-term plan that the German manufacturer hopes will tee up a ‍title challenge ​in 2030.

Sauber already established themselves this season as regular points contenders, even if they finished ninth out ‍of 10.

Confidence has grown under new principal Jonathan Wheatley, a winner recruited from Red Bull to run the team trackside, and the points tally of 70 was their most since 2012 and ​a massive improvement ​on the meagre four of 2024 and 16 of 2023.

German veteran Nico Hulkenbergs first career podium, a surprise third place at Silverstone in July, added to the optimism.

NEW ENGINE AN UNKNOWN QUANTITY

The Audi engine being built in Germany remains an unknown quantity but Binotto told Reuters he remained confident and committed for the ‍future.

I think, as a project, we are going in the right path, the right direction and some credibility. We are building some credibility, he said.

I can see ​the dynamic, how much the dynamic has changed.

Audis step