Mattia Binotto downplayed the rumors linking Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri to Audi. The head of the German team stated that he is satisfied with the current duo formed by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
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The speculation gained strength mainly regarding Sainz, who had talks with Audi before signing with Williams for the 2025 season. The Spaniard had two podiums in his first year with the team, but Williams’ performance drop in 2026 increased doubts about his continuity and fueled again the possibilities of a change.
Piastri also started appearing in rumors involving Audi. The Australian is mentioned as a possible target if he leaves McLaren or loses space in the British team due to a possible arrival of Max Verstappen. Binotto, however, treated the speculations as secondary and highlighted confidence in the two drivers who currently represent Audi.
“Carlos is certainly a person I know very well,” Binotto told RacingNews365. Despite the relationship with the Spaniard from the Ferrari days, the manager reinforced that he is satisfied with the current lineup and rejected the idea that Hulkenberg and Bortoleto are simply a combination of experience and youth.
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According to Binotto, the two drivers should be evaluated mainly by the speed shown: “They are two very fast drivers,” he highlighted, adding that he considers the current duo suitable for Audi’s project.
The manager also assessed that the presence of names like Sainz and Piastri in the rumors represents a positive sign for the team. For Binotto, the external interest shows that the perception of the project’s potential has changed in the Formula 1 paddock.
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