Audi sign Binotto in major F1 project overhaul

Audi has announced the signing of Mattia Binotto as chief operating and chief technical officer in a reshuffling of its F1 project. 

Binotto left his position as Ferrari team principal at the end of the 2022 season and has kept a low profile since, but will start work as COO and CTO at Sauber Motorsport on August 1. 

As part of the restructuring of Audi's works F1 assault which is due to debut in 2026, chief representative Oliver Hoffmann and Sauber Motorsport CEO Andreas Seidl are leaving their positions. 

Seidl had previously served as McLaren team principal before departing at the end of 2022 to head up the Audi project. 

Audi has completed the takeover of all shares in Sauber Motorsport and as such, has decided to refresh its F1 leadership with Binotto coming aboard and Hoffmann and Seidl leaving. 

Binotto will have the "responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team" and report to the board of directors for Sauber Motorsport AG.

The team currently has one driver signed to its works project, with Nico Hulkenberg joining Stake/Sauber for 2025 ahead of the arrival for the new technical regulations in 2026. 

The identity of the second driver is yet to be confirmed - although Audi has made a big money offer to Carlos Sainz. 

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Audi react to signing Binotto

"I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project," explained newly appointed CEO of Audi AG, Gernot Döllner. 

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

"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. 

"For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly."

Paying tribute to the work that Hoffmann and Seidl had put in, Döllner added: "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."

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