Mattia BinottoCoach·Mattia Binotto, the Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer for AudiTeam·Audi's Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 project, recently offered insights into the negotiations that preceded Carlos Sainz Jr.Player·Carlos Sainz Jr.'s move to Williams RacingTeam·Williams Racing. Binotto confirmed that he personally engaged with Carlos Sainz Jr.Player·Carlos Sainz Jr. in the summer of 2024, attempting to persuade him to join the German manufacturer's nascent Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 team.
AudiTeam·Audi is poised to enter Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 as a works team in 2026, following its acquisition of SauberTeam·Sauber. The team, based in Hinwil, Switzerland, will operate as AudiTeam·Audi's factory outfit. However, in 2024, Carlos Sainz Jr.Player·Carlos Sainz Jr. ultimately opted to sign with Williams, a decision that, according to Binotto, saw him disregard the advice of his father, Carlos Sainz Sr.Player·Carlos Sainz Sr., who had advocated for a move to AudiTeam·Audi.
Carlos Sainz Sr.Player·Carlos Sainz Sr., a two-time World Rally Champion and a Dakar RallyCompetition·Dakar Rally winner with AudiTeam·Audi in January 2024, openly expressed his desire for his son to align with the brand with which he shared a long and successful history. Sainz Jr. himself confirmed in March 2025 that his father remained disappointed by his choice to decline AudiTeam·Audi's offer.
Despite the elder Sainz's wishes and a substantial offer from AudiTeam·Audi-SauberTeam·Sauber, Carlos Sainz Jr.Player·Carlos Sainz Jr. made an independent decision to join Williams RacingTeam·Williams Racing for the 2025 and 2026 Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 seasons. This move came after Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton's announcement to join FerrariTeam·Ferrari in 2025 left Sainz Jr. without a seat at the Scuderia. Sainz Jr. considered various options, including AudiTeam·Audi, AlpineTeam·Alpine, and Williams, ultimately citing a "gut feeling" and the vision for a better future at Williams as the deciding factors.
Binotto, commenting on the situation in May 2026, expressed his understanding and respect for Sainz Jr.'s autonomy.
"I was not disappointed by Carlos's decision. We have a good relationship with him since my time at Ferrari. I knew I could trust him. It was a pleasure to meet, talk, and discuss what we could do together."— Mattia Binotto.
"Carlos assessed the situation himself, and I always respect the decisions of others. He chose another path then, and I am happy for him, as far as I understand, he made that decision independently. It was Carlos's choice, not his father's, which is great."— Mattia Binotto.
As the 2026 Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season progresses, Carlos Sainz Jr.Player·Carlos Sainz Jr. is competing with Williams. AudiTeam·Audi, while making its official debut as a works team this year, has managed expectations, with Binotto indicating that achieving peak performance will likely take "three or four years' time."
Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams) at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix. Photo: DeFodi Images/IMAGO
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