Sauber, soon to be known as Audi’s official F1 team, has just pulled off a significant recruitment move. Stefano Sordo, a seasoned engineer with a history at Red Bull and McLaren, has been brought on as the new Performance Director.
Stefano Sordo’s appointment is part of a broader strategy as Sauber builds towards Audi’s official takeover in 2026. Over the past two years, Sauber has made several key signings, including Andrea Seidl from McLaren, who took over as Sauber’s CEO, and James Key, also from McLaren, who joined last September.
Sordo, who was previously the technical director for RLL Racing in IndyCar, will now be reporting directly to Key. His extensive experience in Formula One performance, including contributions to Red Bull’s championship victories from 2010 to 2013 and a race win with McLaren, makes him a valuable addition to the team.
Team principal Stella praised Sordo’s hiring, stating, “The appointment of Stefano is an important step in the development of the structure of our technical department. Stefano knows what a winning squad needs, brings a wealth of experience to the team and, with the different array of roles he played in the past, he is perfectly placed to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our technical operations, and address what is required.”
Sordo himself shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I am delighted to join Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber 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. 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. I am excited about what the future holds: the targets the team has set for itself are ambitious, but I see a lot of confidence from everyone within this organisation.”
Next season, Sordo will be working with Nico Hulkenberg, who has been confirmed as one of Sauber’s two drivers under a multi-year contract. However, the identity of Hulkenberg’s teammate remains undecided. There are rumors suggesting that both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu might not continue with the team, and names like Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon are being floated as potential replacements.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the Managing Director of Sauber, indicated that there is no rush to finalize the team lineup, stating, “I think there is not a deadline. We have anticipated a bit the market by signing Nico Hulkenberg, who is a really strong addition to our team, and fits properly into the long-term project of Audi in F1. Now we have the time to assess the very best options available.”
As Sauber continues to prepare for its transition to Audi’s official F1 team, the hiring of Stefano Sordo marks a significant step in strengthening its technical department. His experience and expertise are expected to play a key role in unlocking new levels of performance for the team. With Nico Hulkenberg secured and the search for the second driver ongoing, Sauber is positioning itself strategically for a competitive debut in the 2026 season.
Source: Planetf1
