In the first three races of the season, Audi has delivered overall solid performances, especially considering the context of a largely new team, despite the legacy inherited from Sauber. However, the four-ring manufacturer has also shown clear weaknesses, particularly in reliability and race starts. The latter proved especially costly at Suzuka, where both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were penalised at the start.
Among the topics that have put Audi under the spotlight in recent weeks is also the departure of Jonathan Wheatley, who stepped down from his role as Team Principal ahead of the Japanese round. Mattia Binotto addressed all these aspects, outlining the team’s outlook as they return from the long April break.
Binotto: “The start issue is not easy to solve, but it is a priority”
The issue of race starts was one of the key points highlighted by Mattia Binotto at the end of the Suzuka Grand Prix.
“Starts are certainly not our strong point,” said the head of the Audi project. “The reason why the problem has not been addressed so far is that it is not something straightforward to solve. At the same time, it is a priority, because once again we had a good qualifying session and it is pointless if we then lose all our positions at the beginning.”
As for all teams, a month-long break can represent an important opportunity.
“For us, in a way, it is positive that two races have been cancelled because as a team we will have a bit more time to reflect. We are a new team, we have a lot to learn and we are solving reliability issues. It has been an intense start to the season and we have not really even had time to begin thinking about development. That will be the focus in the coming weeks and we will try to be as prepared as possible for Miami.”
Electric power gap remains a key limitation
Binotto also commented on the ADUO aspect and how, in his view, it is not sufficient to close the deficit that Audi’s power unit currently has compared to more established manufacturers.
“I think most of the gap we have to the top teams comes from electric power, which is not unexpected. We knew that would be the biggest challenge. Engine development, especially regarding certain concepts, can take more time. It is no coincidence that we have set 2030 as our target, because we know it will take a long time.”
The key word is patience.
“We are very ambitious and we would like to see things fixed within a couple of events, but sometimes that is not the case. So I think we need to understand exactly where we are as a team, what the plans are, and follow those plans. We are not here to perform miracles, but we are here to put in place the right plans to tackle the challenges and improve in the future.”
On Wheatley’s departure: “No concerns, I will keep the team principal role for now”
After just two Grands Prix, Jonathan Wheatley stepped down from his role as Team Principal at Audi for “personal reasons”, as stated in the official communication from the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer. This change came at the same time as rumours linking the former Red Bull Sporting Director with a possible move to Aston Martin.
“First of all, before thinking about future plans, I have to say that the team remained very focused [in Japan],” Binotto stated. “Operationally, the team delivered very good results from the beginning of the weekend. We can be satisfied, showing that it is not about an individual, but about the team, which is what matters most.”
The Italian engineer, who built his career within Ferrari, expressed confidence in his squad.
“I would not worry about the future because of individuals. Looking at the overall performance of the team, once again, it was a very strong team effort,” he reiterated. “We executed very good pit stops this weekend and, overall, from the pit wall I would say everything was well managed.”
Binotto also clarified that, at the moment, Audi is not actively searching for a new figure to take on the Team Principal role.
“For the future, I think we are not looking for a new team principal. I will keep the role myself. I will just need someone to support me during race weekends, because I will not always be present in person,” he explained to the media. “I need to focus mainly on the work at the factory, where there is a lot to transform, not just to develop. So, support during race weekends is certainly necessary.”
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