Audi begins the Formula 1 era with Mattia Binotto

Mattia Binotto returns to the world of Formula 1. Audi has announced that the former Ferrari team principal will join Sauber Motorsport AG in August. There, he will be responsible for Audi's F1 project as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, set to launch in 2026. Binotto will thus take over the operational management and the sporting success of the team. This personnel decision is part of a comprehensive restructuring. Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, formerly chairman of the supervisory board, are leaving the project. Seidl had moved from McLaren to Sauber in 2022 to oversee the transition to Audi. According to Audi, the "realignment of control structures" aims to ensure the autonomy and independence of the Audi F1 project. Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi and future chairman of the board of Sauber Motorsport AG, stated in a press release: "Our goal is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to top speed by introducing clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes. The team must be able to act independently and quickly." The management restructuring comes at a time when Audi is intensifying preparations for the takeover of the Sauber team. Sauber has yet to score any points this season, and the driver lineup for 2025 has not been confirmed. The team currently only consists of Nico Hülkenberg. "The prospect of driving for Audi is something very special," Hülkenberg said in a statement when the multi-year agreement was announced. "When a German car manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. Representing the works team of such an automotive brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me." Binotto, who brings 25 years of Formula 1 experience, will report to the board. The Swiss-Italian engineer was with Ferrari from 1995 until the end of 2022, rising to the position of team principal. However, under his leadership, Ferrari missed out on the Constructors' Championship, finishing 205 points behind Red Bull. From 2023 onwards, Fred Vasseur, previously at Sauber, took on the role of Ferrari team principal.