HINWIL, Switzerland — In a bold move to accelerate its entry into the top tier of motorsport, Audi has announced a significant overhaul of its Formula 1 project leadership. Former Ferrari F1 team principal Mattia Binotto will assume the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber Motorsport AG, starting August 1.
This strategic shift follows Audi’s complete acquisition of Sauber Holding AG and aims to realign the control structure of the anticipated Audi factory team. With Binotto’s extensive experience spanning over 25 years in Formula 1, Audi is poised to enhance its competitive edge as it gears up for its debut.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, expressed his enthusiasm about Binotto’s appointment: “Recruiting Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project is a significant milestone. His profound expertise will be invaluable to Audi’s success in this high-stakes arena.”
Binotto, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering from EPFL in Switzerland, began his F1 career with Ferrari in 1995. His trajectory saw him rise through various roles, culminating in his position as team principal of Scuderia Ferrari in 2019.
In his new capacity, Binotto will oversee the operational management and sporting success of the Sauber racing team, reporting directly to the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. This reorganization underscores Audi’s commitment to a streamlined, autonomous, and efficient management structure for its F1 ambitions.
As part of this realignment, Oliver Hoffmann, previously Chairman of the Boards of Directors of all Sauber companies, and Andreas Seidl, former CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and Sauber Technologies AG, will be departing from their roles. Döllner acknowledged their contributions: “We are grateful for the foundational work Oliver and Andreas have done in preparing our entry into Formula 1.”
This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Audi as it accelerates its preparations to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
