Binotto Dismisses Sainz Audi Rumours, Backs Current Duo

Mattia Binotto, head of Audi's Formula 1 project, has played down speculation linking Carlos Sainz with the team for 2027. Despite being an "obvious" potential destination for the Spaniard, Binotto expressed satisfaction with his current driver lineup.

Since Ferrari decided to sign Lewis Hamilton as Sainz's replacement in 2024, Sainz's name has been frequently linked with Audi. However, he eventually chose to join Williams for the 2025 F1 season, immediately impressing with two podiums in his debut year.

Unfortunately, Williams' performance has dipped dramatically in 2026. After 11 rounds, the British team has scored only 11 points, six of which came from Sainz. This has fueled rumours that Sainz might move to Audi in 2027, with a decision expected during the summer break.

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In an interview with RacingNews365, Binotto claimed he had not heard the rumours before. "First, I'm not reading the newspapers myself, or not reading much, so I'm hearing from you," he said. "Carlos is certainly a person whom I know very well, and it's somehow easy and obvious to link him to Audi, but I can only say that I'm very happy with the lineup we have."

Binotto sees Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg not just as a mix of experience and youth. "They are two very fast drivers, and I am happy because they are fast drivers, both of them, so we've got a good line-up," he stressed.

Interestingly, Binotto views the rumours as a positive sign. "The fact that other drivers are linked to our team, I can only be very happy with because it is showing the credibility of our project is improving," he said. "It is showing that the perception from the outside that one day we can become competitive is no longer a rumour, but it is a fact."

With Sainz's decision still hanging, this situation could backfire for Williams. If Sainz leaves, Williams must find an equal replacement, while Audi continues to build its long-term project. This summer will be decisive.