P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi Formula 1 boss Mattia Binotto said he found a “frozen” Sauber team when he joined last August.
Binotto took over as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber in place of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman in 2024 due to Audi’s dissatisfaction with Sauber’s progress. Sauber had not scored any points and the Audi takeover seemed minimal. Upon arrival, Binotto found a lack of plans and development, which raised concerns for him. Sauber eventually earned points in 2024 with Zhou Guanyu finishing eighth in Qatar, and Binotto sees a revitalized team prepared for future improvements. In 2025, Sauber has a new driver lineup with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, and will welcome new Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley to lead the team forward.
