Audi’s F1 journey is off to a rocky start with a power struggle brewing between two key figures.
- Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl are reportedly clashing, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
- The friction stems from Audi’s struggles to score points and failures in signing key driver Carlos Sainz.
- Rumors suggest potential leadership changes, with Mike Krack eyed by both as a team principal candidate.
- Despite internal conflicts, Audi pushes forward, securing new partnerships and preparing for its 2026 F1 debut.
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is already stirring up drama as a power struggle emerges at the top. Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl, key players in Audi’s F1 ambitions, are reportedly at loggerheads, each allegedly scheming to oust the other. This rift has emerged despite the excitement building around Audi’s takeover of the Sauber Group for their 2026 F1 debut under the Audi banner.
The contention between Hoffmann and Seidl primarily revolves around recent disappointing performance on the track. With Audi failing to score points this season and missing out on securing Carlo Sainz, tensions have risen to a boiling point. It is whispered that Hoffmann wants to replace Seidl with Aston Martin’s Mike Krack, making him Audi F1’s Team Principal. In contrast, Seidl is reportedly lobbying the Board of Directors to dismiss Hoffmann, aiming to consolidate his position and authority.
Interestingly, both Seidl and Hoffmann see eye to eye on one matter—appointing Mike Krack as Team Principal. Yet, their rivalry complicates this convergence as each plans to use Krack’s appointment as leverage to achieve their respective goals. Seidl seems to have an ally in Gernot Doellner, Audi’s Chief Executive, who purportedly backs him against Hoffmann.
Meanwhile, Audi continues to lay the groundwork for its F1 project. They’ve appointed Stefan Strähnz as the new program director, a strategic move following their earlier hirings of former Red Bull and McLaren personnel, including Stefano Sordo and Lee Stevenson. Additionally, Audi has signed a sponsorship and technical development deal with bp, which will supply advanced sustainable fuel, while Castrol will provide lubricants for Audi’s first V6 F1 engine.
Despite internal tensions, Audi remains committed to its 2026 F1 debut, forging ahead with preparations and strategic partnerships.
