Source – Rossomotori
Audi have announced former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto is returning to Grand Prix racing as the new leader of their Formula 1 project.
In a significant move earlier this year, German automaker Audi took full ownership of the Sauber team, planning to operate under the Audi banner from 2026. The team is developing an all-new power unit in-house in Germany. Leading this ambitious project will be former Ferrari Chief Mattia Binotto, who assumes his role on August 1 as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer. Binotto, 54, will be based at the Sauber factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, reporting directly to the board of directors.
The leadership restructure includes the departure of former McLaren Team Principal Andreas Seidl, who joined Sauber in January 2023 and served as CEO of the Audi team, and Audi executive Oliver Hoffmann, who was overseeing the project. Binotto, who started at Ferrari in the mid-1990s, was the Chief Technical Officer before being promoted to Team Principal in 2019. He left Ferrari in 2022 after three years in the role.
Audi CEO Gernot Dollner expressed his excitement about Binotto’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in Formula 1. Dollner stated, “With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.” He further explained the rationale behind the management restructure, emphasizing the need for clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes. The goal is to enable the team to act independently and quickly, bringing the entire Formula 1 project up to speed.
Dollner also thanked Seidl and Hoffmann for their crucial roles in establishing Audi’s entry into Formula 1 and their commitment to preparing for it.
In an exciting development for the team’s future, Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed as the first driver to join Audi’s new F1 project. Hulkenberg will move from Haas to Sauber at the end of the season, describing the switch as “interesting” and “very exciting.” He noted the opportunities presented by the 2026 regulation changes, suggesting that the more level playing field could allow the team to be competitive right away.
Currently, Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas and Chinese racer Zhou Guanyu have represented the Hinwil team since 2022. However, their futures beyond the current campaign remain uncertain.
