Binotto: Inviting Whitley is the best option.

      Since April, Mattia Binotto, head of Audi’s Formula 1 programme, has been working together with Jonathan Wheatley, who took charge of the Swiss team that last season raced in Formula 1 under the historic Sauber name.

      But in 2026 it will change its name to Audi F1 Team, and the cars, which are still built in Hinwil, will from now on be fitted with Audi engines.

      Of course, the team and its management will have to tackle extremely difficult tasks, but Binotto has repeatedly emphasized that Audi’s project is designed for the long term, and the team will not be ready to fight for the title before 2030.

      “At Audi they looked for the best specialists they could invite,” Binotto said in an interview with RacingNews365. “And I think that inviting Jonathan has probably been the very best option.

      Overall, I believe that the richer a person’s experience, the better for the team, and, of course, for our team as well. To become champions you need the psychology of winners. At the same time, you have to understand what it means to win in Formula 1. And if you remember how many titles Jonathan had during his years at Red Bull, there is no doubt that he knows what it takes.

      I am glad about our cooperation, because I can also share my own experience. Sauber has its own special culture, and Jonathan has his own too. And I think that combining all of this together will bear fruit in the future.”