Binotto denies rumors linking Sainz and Piastri to Audi
Audi F1 team boss Mattia Binotto has dismissed speculation about Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri potentially joining the team, saying he is fully satisfied with current drivers Hulkenberg and Bortoleto.
Audi Formula 1 team principal Mattia Binotto has rejected recent speculation linking Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri to a possible move to the German manufacturer's outfit.
The rumors about Sainz stem from 2024, when the Spaniard held talks with Audi while searching for a new seat after Ferrari opted for Lewis Hamilton instead of him. Sainz ultimately joined Williams, but the team's underwhelming performance this season has revived talk of a possible switch. Meanwhile, McLaren driver Piastri has also been mentioned as a potential future Audi target.
Binotto: happy with the current lineup
Speaking to RacingNews365, Binotto said he had first heard of the rumors from the interviewer, as he rarely follows the press. He acknowledged knowing Sainz well and that it is relatively easy to link him with Audi, but stressed that he is very pleased with the team's current driver pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Binotto added that he views both drivers not merely as a blend of experience and youth, but as genuinely fast racers.
Asked about other drivers being linked to Audi, Binotto said such speculation only pleases him, as it signals growing credibility for the project and shows that the idea of the team becoming competitive one day is no longer just talk, but an emerging reality.
