Mattia Binotto makes Audi F1 ‘commitment’ claim amid Volkswagen conflict

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Audi is set to be the next big manufacturer to join the Formula 1 grid when they officially take over Sauber in 2026.

The German car-maker has been in control of the Swiss-based Sauber since earlier this year, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto being installed as chief operating officer and chief technical officer.

It comes amid a backdrop of uncertainty for the team as Sauber have failed to score any points so far this season after producing one of the slowest cars, which has led to some ‘dispirited’ staff leaving the team according to Peter Windsor.

Wider problems within parent company Volkswagen Group, which include shutting down two German manufacturing plants and putting jobs at risk, have led to questions over whether Audi will be in F1 for the long term.

Amid this uncertainty, Binotto has claimed that Audi remains ‘committed’ to succeeding in F1 when speaking to BBC.

Mattia Binotto assures that Audi wants to win championships

Nobody expects Audi to be competitive out of the box when they produce a new engine and chassis for the 2026 regulations.

This is due to Sauber’s ageing facilities and overall lack of competitiveness in the last few years, with it unlikely to score any points this season on merit.

Audi could pull the plug if they continue this form, but Binotto has claimed they are in F1 in the long haul and want to win titles.

“We can clearly state there are no risks and the F1 programmes really fit with the Audi brand and vision,” said Binotto.

“We are in F1 until we win and after. It is a long-term commitment. We have joined F1 to be here and stay here. We intend to become a winning team and set the benchmark and stay then. It is not a joining and leaving. F1 is the pinnacle of the motorsport, it is great Audi is part of it finally and they are simply committed to stay.”

Binotto sees similarities to Audi/Sauber when he joined Ferrari

Both Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas are the only two drivers yet to score points 2024 along with former Williams driver Logan Sargeant.

Their best finish has been Zhou’s P11 place at the season opener in Bahrain, while Bottas finished P13 at the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

Binotto was tempted to join Aston Martin before being lured to the Audi project, after being ousted as Ferrari team manager last year.

The Italian engineer explained that he felt there were similarities between his job at Ferrari when he joined them straight out of university in 1995 and the Audi F1 project.