Mattia Binotto branded Audi chiefs as 'clowns' as he rejected the chance to make a return to F1 to take charge of the German giants.
Binotto left his job as team principal of Ferrari at the end of last season after a campaign that began with hope of a title challenge fell apart. The Italian carried the can for the Scuderia's failure to end their wait for a championship, resigning from his role.
Despite the criticism aimed at him for his handling of Ferrari, Binotto remains highly-thought of in the F1 paddock. One of the teams interested in hiring him was Audi, who will take over the Sauber team from the 2026 season.
