Mattia Binotto welcomes the forced break that Formula 1 has faced in recent weeks. The Audi executive sees it as an opportunity for the team to develop more points it desires instead of just thinking about the next GP.
Read more F1 2026: Understand the rule changes from the Miami GP
The premier category of motorsport faces a 35-day hiatus between the last race held in Japan and the next stop in Miami. All due to the war in the Middle East, which forced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds, leaving a large gap in the calendar.
But despite the long period without races, Binotto does not see it negatively, as it gives Audi more time to deal with some issues, in addition to developing the R26. Furthermore, the German team is dealing with Jonathan Wheatley’s departure before the Suzuka race.
Read more F1: Jos Verstappen comments on Lambiase’s move to McLaren
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us, because, since winter testing, we have focused a lot on solving all the problems we had, ensuring that for the next event or race we were prepared and had solved all of them,” says Binotto.
“Race preparation has consumed a lot of our time. When you are completely absorbed in preparation, you cannot develop as you would like. Therefore, I think this period of time off in April, which is obviously not a rest period, will be very important for us to resume activities, focus on the next steps and ensure that we not only solve problems, but also evolve properly,” he added.
Read more F1: Binotto on Audi’s disadvantage with rivals: «It’s not just power»
