Charles Leclerc thinks that ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto can use experience from his time leading the team in his new role heading Sauber/Audi’s Formula 1 venture.
Audi revealed last month that Binotto has been appointed Sauber Motorsport’s Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer to oversee the marque’s F1 arrival in 2026.
Sauber explained that the decision to oust CEO Andreas Seidl and Chief Representative Oliver Hoffmann to hire Binotto was done to “accelerate” the Audi integration.
The Hinwil-based squad has sustained a tumultuous season on track this season as it lies bottom in the Constructors’ Championship as the single team still to score.
Binotto hadn’t been involved in F1 since stepping down as Ferrari Team Principal in late 2022, curtailing a long-term association with the team that went back to 1995.
The Swiss-Italian progressed through the ranks at the Maranello-based squad to take over the main role in 2019, coinciding with Leclerc’s maiden season with Ferrari.
However, the pair’s relationship became strained in 2022 as Leclerc’s championship bid unravelled due to operational shortcomings and missteps in car development.
Leclerc, who made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2018, believes that the lessons Binotto would’ve obtained in his previous F1 role will serve him well in his new position.
“I think a big part of Mattia’s life was in Switzerland as well. So I guess he knows very well the culture and that will fit him well,” the Monegasque said on Binotto.
“And he can also take his previous experience on a team like Ferrari to benefit such a team for sure.
“So, yeah, there’s definitely lots of things that he can bring from learning from his past experiences to a team like Sauber.”
RB Team Principal Laurent Mekies served as Ferrari’s Sporting Director during Binotto’s tenure and he is expecting Sauber to become a more competitive proposition.
“In terms of skill set, there is no question that Mattia has everything to make it work there and probably anywhere else,” Mekies added.
“So, you know, I guess these guys [Sauber] are going to become an even stronger competitor as a result in the near future.”
Meanwhile, Frederic Vasseur, who was at Sauber before replacing Binotto at the helm of Ferrari, was reticent on how his predecessor might fare at his erstwhile team.
“I’m focused on my team, and I know perfectly the fact that it’s difficult to do a Formula 1 team, but not only in Switzerland,” he said. “I think it’s tough everywhere.
“And Mattia did a very good job at Ferrari in the past, that it was successful, that the team was successful, and I wish them all the best.”
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