Sauber has made a significant addition to their Formula 1 team with the hiring of Stefano Sordo as the new performance director.
The Hinwil-based team has been on a recruitment spree over the past 18 months, gearing up for its transition to the Audi works team in 2026. This includes the recruitment of former McLaren executives Andreas Seidl as CEO and James Key as technical director.
Sauber experienced a tough start to the new F1 season, and in response, they’ve strengthened their technical team by bringing in Stefano Sordo. Sordo, who will report directly to Key, is expected to bring a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Red Bull and McLaren.
“The appointment of Stefano is an important step in the development of our technical department,” said Seidl. “Stefano knows what a winning squad needs, brings a wealth of experience, and is perfectly placed to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of our technical operations and address what is required.”
Sordo’s two-decade-long career includes responsibilities ranging from race engineer to head of aerodynamics. He was an integral part of Red Bull’s championship-winning teams from 2010 to 2013 and had a stint as the director of vehicle performance at McLaren. His most recent role was as the technical director for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar and IMSA.
“I am delighted to join and take on a role that will have a direct impact on unlocking the performance we already have within our company and help it reach new heights,” Sordo stated. “The team is at a crucial juncture in its history, with the start of the Audi adventure just around the corner, and I am looking forward to tackling the challenge that lies ahead.”
James Key also expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire: “Stefano is a key addition to our team, one which will shape our understanding and priorities for the new cars’ performance direction and in-season development. Stefano brings a wealth of experience, combined with his focused and hard-pushing approach, and is a strong and influential team player throughout.”
With Stefano Sordo joining the team, Sauber looks to optimize their performance as they transition into the Audi works team, raising expectations for future seasons.
Source: Motorsport
