Mattia Binotto’s ‘Everest Challenge’: Steering Audi’s F1 Ascent from Sauber’s Struggles to Summit Success

Mattia Binotto acknowledges that transforming Audi into Formula 1 victors represents a "huge" undertaking.

Audi's new leader, Mattia Binotto, has acknowledged that transforming the existing Sauber squad into Formula 1 champions is akin to ascending Everest.

Sauber, the squad acquired by Audi and set to become the German automaker's official team in 2026, has experienced a challenging season.

The Swiss squad possesses the grid's least speedy vehicle and remains firmly at the constructors' championship lowest rank, having failed to secure any points in 2024.

Ex-Ferrari chief Binotto has been assigned the role of leading Audi's Formula 1 initiative and has recognized the hurdles that the Sauber/Audi team must overcome to be contenders in the future years.

"Scaling such a peak isn't just about tackling any large mountain, it's about conquering Everest. This endeavor will span over multiple years," Binotto conveyed to BBC Sport.

"Our goal is to be contenders for the championships by the decade's end.

"As you arrive and begin delving into the specifics, the deeper you explore, the clearer it becomes where you stand and how it contrasts with my prior knowledge from Ferrari."

Undoubtedly, there are numerous disparities and the divide is substantial.

"It's significant due to its size, the population involved, the collective mentality, the equipment, and amenities available. When you observe it, the comparison truly lies between a minor group and a leading team."

Binotto emphasized, "Our involvement in F1 is for the long haul, aimed at winning and continuing beyond that. It's a long-term engagement. Our entry into F1 signifies our intention to remain part of it.

"Our goal is to transform into a leading team, establishing a standard of excellence that we plan to maintain. This isn't about short-term participation. Formula 1 represents the apex of motorsports, and it's fantastic that Audi has finally joined the ranks, demonstrating a firm commitment to remain."

Sauber has not made a final decision on who will join Nico Hulkenberg in their driver roster for the 2025 season.

Current holder Valtteri Bottas is a top candidate, alongside Williams substitute Franco Colapinto and the front-runner of the Formula 2 championship, Gabriel Bortoleto.

Binotto has verified that Mick Schumacher, previously with Haas and currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, remains a contender despite losing his permanent F1 position at the conclusion of 2022.

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