It’s official! Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team principal, is diving back into the high-speed world of Formula 1, this time with Audi.
Audi has scored a major coup in the racing world by appointing Mattia Binotto as the head of its Formula 1 project. This significant management shake-up was announced on Tuesday, and Binotto will take on his new roles as chief operating and chief technical officer starting August 1. This move comes as Audi prepares for its grand entry into F1 in 2026, a debut that is eagerly anticipated by racing enthusiasts globally.
Binotto’s appointment accompanies the exit of Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, former chairman of the board of directors. Audi has accelerated its complete takeover of the Sauber team, the only team yet to score a point this season, in an effort to get a strong footing ahead of the 2026 campaign. Binotto’s experience of more than 25 years in F1 is expected to bring a new level of expertise and strategic direction. Audi CEO Gernot Doellner expressed his excitement, saying, “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project.”
The Swiss-born Italian, Binotto, who departed from Ferrari at the end of the 2022 season, is known for his extensive experience. He has been a part of Ferrari since 1995 and rose through the ranks to head both the engine and chassis technical departments before becoming the team principal in 2019. Although his stint at Ferrari ended without securing a world championship, his comprehensive knowledge and skills are highly regarded in the F1 community.
The shake-up signifies Audi’s increased effort to fortify its F1 entry. Doellner emphasized the need for clear management structures and efficient decision-making processes, aiming for the team to act independently and swiftly. By bringing in Binotto, Audi aims to ensure its autonomy and independence. Binotto’s vast experience and strategic insight are anticipated to be pivotal in achieving Audi’s goals for the upcoming seasons.
In a heartfelt gesture, Doellner thanked Seidl and Hoffmann for their contributions, acknowledging the foundational work they accomplished. As Audi gears up for its F1 debut, all eyes will be on Binotto to see if he can steer the team to new heights. Formula 1 fans will undoubtedly be eagerly watching this new chapter unfold.
With Binotto at the helm, Audi’s Formula 1 future looks promising, and the 2026 debut can’t come soon enough for fans. Buckle up, it’s going to be an exciting ride!
