After a turbulent few weeks behind the scenes for the Audi F1 team, new team principal Mattia Binotto has hinted that he will remain in charge rather than oversee the appointment of a new team principal following the exit of Jonathan Wheatley.
Speaking in a print media session after the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix, Binotto addressed the situation where he focused heavily on the team’s overall performance, which continues to head toward a positive direction, rather than any individual roles.
Mattia Binotto dismisses claims questioning the validity of operations at Audi F1 Team
Binotto was quick to dismiss any claims questioning whether the team has been lacking on the operational side due to these inner organisational shifts.
“First, before to come to what’s the plan for the future, I have to say that the team has remained very focused and concentrated since weekend,” said Binotto after the Japanese GP weekend.
“And operationally, the team has performed very well since weekend. And we can be pleased, showing that at the end, it’s not about an individual.”
The interim team principal expressed similar sentiments to team driver Nico Hülkenberg, who shared that one individual doesn’t rattle the entire team structure, rather it’s more about the collective that helps the team move forward.
“It’s about the team. What’s counted the most is the team. So I would not be concerned for the future because of individuals.
“If you look at the overall team performance, again, it has been a great team performance. We had great pit stops this weekend. And from the people, I would say, generally speaking, well managed.”
Binotto reveals he’s likely to stay as team principal at Audi F1 Team
The most important revelation came after current team principal Binotto revealed that he’s likely to continue in this role, sharing that Audi is not actively searching for a new team principal to replace Wheatley — at least for now.
“For the future, I think we are not looking for a new team principal. I will keep the role,” Binotto revealed.
The former Ferrari team boss emphasised that he will not operate alone; he will require a right-hand person to support him in his role as team principal. As the head of the Audi F1 project, Binotto stated that he must direct his efforts beyond the race track, focusing particularly on the factory, where his presence is crucial.
“But I will need someone to support me at the race weekends because I will not be always at the race weekend myself,” he added.
“I need to focus most at the factory where there is the most to transform, I would say, not only to develop, to transform. So, certainly support at a race weekend is required.“
Audi F1’s operations remain undisturbed from the outside
Despite the sudden leadership shift, Binotto insisted that little has changed operationally within the team. From the outside, Audi’s race weekend appeared largely unaffected — a point he was adamant to emphasise.
“If you look from the outside, as I said, operationally this weekend, the team structure is organised.
“And it’s not the individuals that will make the difference, I cannot deserve [credit] myself or someone else. The team will be capable.”
At the 2026 F1 Japanese GP, both Audi drivers, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, finished 11th and 13th, respectively, just shy of earning points — marking the team’s first result under Binotto’s leadership.
