Audi Formula 1 chief Mattia Binotto has opened up about Carlos Sainz’s decision to turn down their offer for 2025, suggesting the Spanish driver made the choice against his father’s preferences. The former Ferrari team principal revealed that rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. would have favored his son joining the German manufacturer over Williams, where the younger Sainz ultimately signed.
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Binotto reflected on his pursuit of the four-time race winner after Sainz was forced to find a new seat following Ferrari’s decision to replace him with Lewis Hamilton. The Italian emphasized their strong working relationship from their time together at Maranello, noting he had “trust” in Sainz as a key factor in Audi’s interest.
“Obviously, we had a good relationship in Ferrari. I employed him in Ferrari, so he knew that I trusted him as much as I trust him today,” Binotto explained. He praised Sainz for making an independent decision about his future, stating: “I would even say that he made his own choice, and not his dad’s choice, which is great for him.”
The rejection ultimately led Audi to sign Gabriel Bortoleto, a move Binotto expressed satisfaction with. Sainz’s decision to join Williams came as he seeks to help spearhead the Grove-based team’s return to competitiveness, having already secured two podium finishes in his debut season with the former championship-winning outfit.