Binotto dismisses speculation about a new Audi team principal in light of Horner rumors.

      "They require someone like Christian."

      Mattia Binotto has made it clear that Audi will not be appointing a new team principal in light of Jonathan Wheatley's unexpected exit—amidst rumors connecting Christian Horner to the position. The departure of Wheatley, occurring just two races into the post-Sauber phase, significantly impacted the German manufacturer between the Chinese and Japanese Grand Prix events. Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Audi would greatly benefit from a figure such as Horner. "They need someone like Christian," he stated. "I think people underestimate Christian’s contributions, his extensive experience, and his achievements. Regardless of personal opinion, he has a lot of capabilities." Nevertheless, Binotto has dismissed the notion of seeking an external appointment. "We are not looking for a new team principal. I will maintain this position, reorganize myself, and reorganize the team," he explained. He emphasized that Audi’s framework will develop over time rather than rely on a single leader. "Ultimately, it’s not about one person; it’s about the team. What truly matters is the team." Furthermore, Binotto indicated he will assign trackside responsibilities. "I need support during race weekends, as I won’t always be present myself," the Italian noted. This may lead to a structure akin to Sauber’s previous setup, where a senior representative manages operations at the circuit while Binotto concentrates on the larger transformation project. On the track, Audi's initial difficulties highlight the extent of this challenge. "Unfortunately, this isn’t the first occurrence. Our start is certainly not our strong point," Binotto conceded after the Suzuka race, where both cars lost positions at the start. He cautioned that there is no immediate solution. "We haven’t tackled the issue yet because there’s no clear answer—it’s at the top of our list of priorities." Despite these challenges, Binotto suggested that the unexpected break in April could be beneficial. "In a way, having two races cancelled is advantageous. It offers our team more time to reflect—hopefully, we’ll head to Miami better equipped."