Audi F1 Program Continues to Load Up, Adds Ex-Ferrari Boss Binotto

• Audi announced in August 2022 that it will enter Formula 1 under new engine regulations in 2026

• Binotto will become chief operating and chief technical officer of Sauber Motorsport, effective August 1.

• Sauber has already hired current Haas racer Nico Hulkenberg to be one of its two drivers.

Audi has appointed former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto to front its Formula 1 project in a major reshuffling of its management structure.

Audi announced in August 2022 that it will enter Formula 1 under new engine regulations in 2026 and form a works partnership with Sauber Motorsport, marking the first time that it will compete in the championship.

Andreas Seidl left his position as McLaren team principal to take up the role of chief executive officer of Sauber Motorsport while existing Audi technical officer Oliver Hoffman became chairman of the Board of Directors of the company.

Audi ramped up its involvement in Sauber in early 2024 by accelerating the full takeover of the team, with Seidl installed as CEO of Audi F1.

But in a major development Audi has now axed both Seidl and Hoffmann, and has brought in Binotto to become Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer of Sauber Motorsport, effective August 1.

In a statemen, Audi outlined that Binotto will have "responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team." Audi says the move has been undertaken to "ensure the autonomy and independence of the Audi F1 project" separate from the remainder of the marque’s activities.

Binotto will report to Gernot Döllner, who will take up the position of chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport at a yet-to-be-defined date. Döllner has spent decades with companies under the Volkswagen Group umbrella and in 2023 was appointed as CEO of the Audi Group.

“Our aim is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes,” Dollner said. “For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly.”

While Sauber has been laying the groundwork for its formal pairing with Audi come 2026, it has endured a troubled 2024 season and is last in the F0rmula 1 championship without a single point.

Binotto has been out of the sport since he departed his role as Ferrari’s team principal at the end of 2022, having failed to win that year’s championship under revised technical regulations.

Binotto joined Ferrari in 1995, rising through the ranks to hold various positions including chief engineer, the manager of its engine division, and technical director, prior to being appointed team principal ahead of the 2019 season.

“With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi,” Dollner said. “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.”

Sauber has already hired current Haas racer Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year deal from 2025 though it has not yet decided on his teammate.