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.
According to Business F1 Magazine, Binotto was Audi's top choice to lead their entry to the sport. The Italian was even invited to visit the company's headquarters and meet the executives behind the project, as well as viewing their facilities.
But it appears the visit did not have the desired affect, with Binotto firmly rejecting Audi's offer. He had travelled to Germany with an 'open mind' and was prepared to take in Audi's presentation.
They failed to impress the Italian though and he was scathing of some of the people behind the Audi team. According to Business F1 Magazine, he told friends that some of the people at Audi are 'clowns'.
With Binotto turning down their approach, Audi instead hired Andreas Seidl to take charge, with the German leaving McLaren to take on the post. While Binotto rejected Audi's approach, Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes he will soon be back in the sport.
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"He's doing good, he's fine. I think he's in a good place. He worked at Ferrari for a long time, I think 28 years. It was his first job there and he was never anywhere else, so obviously when you get hit with this, it's difficult," Steiner told Mirror Sport in April.
"But I think he's moved on from it and is looking forward to his future. I don't know what he's working on but, for sure, there will be opportunities for him. If you ask me, yes. Don't ask me where, when and why! But I think yes."
Upon his departure from Maranello last November, Binotto was defensive of his time in charge. He insisted that he left with the team in a strong position to challenge for race wins and titles.
“I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set," he said.
“I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me."
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