Ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto replaces Andreas Seidl as head of Audi F1 project

Audi has appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as the new head of its Formula One project.

Confirmed:

• The Italian steps into a combined role as chief operating officer and chief technology officer
• Binotto will lead the Formula One operation at the team’s base in Hinwil and report to the board of directors of Sauber Motorsport
• Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hofmann are leaving the project

Context:

This is a remarkable turn of events for the Audi Formula One project. Seidl, chief executive of Sauber Motorsport and Sauber Technologies, had been on board since the start of the process and he represented a significant appointment at the time, having been tempted away from the McLaren Formula One team. Hoffmann had been chairman of the boards of directors of all Sauber companies, prior to his departure. 

Audi only committed to a full takeover of the Sauber outfit in March, so it’s clear that its goals have shifted somewhat. The German marque’s release talks of needing to ensure the ‘autonomy and independence’ of its Formula One project, which has prompted this management restructure.

Realistically, it seems the behind-the-scenes structure implemented a couple of years ago had become too complicated and inefficient. The team needs to act “independently and quickly”, according to Gernot Döllner, chief executive of Audi.

Döllner added: “Our aim is to bring the entire Formula One project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes.”

Clearly, despite the coup of securing BP as its first partner for the future Formula One entry, things were not proceeding as planned.

Comment:

“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula One project,“ said Döllner. “With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula One, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.

“I would like to thank Oliver and Andreas for their important work in establishing our entry into Formula 1 and their commitment in preparing it.“

Coming next:

As Audi ramps up its preparations for a 2026 entry, Formula One has one final race before its summer break. The Belgian Grand Prix takes place this weekend from 26th to 28th July.

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