In a surprising turn of events, Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team boss, has been appointed to lead Audi’s Formula 1 project. This move is expected to expedite the team’s integration and enhance its decision-making processes as it takes over Sauber.
Earlier this week, Audi announced significant leadership changes. Team CEO Andrea Seidl and chairman Oliver Hoffmann have exited, with Binotto stepping in to replace both starting from August 1. This shake-up comes as Audi’s entry into Formula 1, announced two years ago, has hit some stumbling blocks. Despite fast-tracking its full takeover of the Sauber group, the integration has not gone as smoothly as anticipated.
The team has faced multiple challenges, including a lackluster performance in the championship and a behind-the-scenes power struggle between Seidl and Hoffmann. These issues prompted Audi CEO Gernot Dollner to bring in Binotto as the sole leader, hoping to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a team representative, emphasized the need for a ‘change of speed’ in the F1 project. He explained that Binotto would have ‘full responsibility and efficiency in the decision-making process,’ reporting directly to Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner. This move aims to accelerate the transformation and ensure that the team’s targets are met.
Binotto is expected to bring in his own team principal, further shaping the management structure. According to Alunni Bravi, Binotto has the team’s full support and the authority to make necessary changes. ‘Mattia has a proven track record, a vast experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1,’ Alunni Bravi stated. ‘He is very competent with a very proven background, especially in technical matters. He has all the characteristics in order to guide our structure towards 2026 and onwards.’
With Binotto at the helm, Audi’s Formula 1 project is poised for a significant transformation. His extensive experience and leadership are expected to bring much-needed changes, accelerating the team’s integration and boosting its competitiveness in the championship.
