Sainz to Audi switch takes fresh twist after 'very big bang'

Ralf Schumacher believes Audi's prolonged pursuit of Carlos Sainz may have contributed to its decision to hire Mattia Binotto.

The 54-year-old will enter the fold at the German marque in a combined chief executive and chief technical officer role.

To make way for his arrival, Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann have made way, with increasing scrutiny on the health of Audi's F1 project ramping up over the past few weeks.

It has so far been unable to persuade number one target Carlos Sainz to partner Nico Hulkenberg from next season, with Stake due to transition into a works Audi team for the 2026 F1 season.

Schumacher feels that Binotto could be a key to convincing Sainz to end his indecision over his future, given the strong relationship the two men share.

"It's a very big bang," the ex-F1 driver wrote on Sky F1 Germany. "Changing personnel before the start is very interesting. I'm excited. Audi has at least managed to get an experienced man in Mattia Binotto - which is important...

"He is a convinced fan and friend of Carlos Sainz. That could also have been political in the background. That they say: We would like to have this and that person to support us. And the two know each other from Ferrari and really enjoyed working together. That's probably where the wind will blow from."

Seidl and Hoffmann's strained relationship may have contributed to downfall

Despite being excited by the move, Schumacher did highlight that a change in management structure 18 months out from end of the transition does underpin problems within the operation.

The six-time grand prix winner with Williams pointed to the tensions between Seidl and Hoffmann, with the suggestion that it contributed to their shared fate.

"You just have to be aware that in Formula 1, constant personnel changes at the management level are not a good thing. It's not a corporation, it's a Formula 1 team," the 49-year-old added.

"It's difficult for me to understand. They made the decision to bring in Andreas Seidl under different circumstances. He was a CEO and, as is often the case, you bring in the people you know. You want to create your own environment. 

"There were probably tensions there too. Oliver Hoffmann, who now also has to go, tried internally to drive Andreas Seidl out. I could imagine that this fight also led to the decision being made. I don't think it was known either. That is also very surprising for Andreas Seidl, I'm very sure of that. 

"But Mattia Binotto is certainly someone who can do a good job. But this is also a huge task for him."