Audi has made a big change to bolster its Formula 1 ambitions by appointing former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as its new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer. Starting August 1, Binotto will lead Audi’s F1 project and oversee preparations for their 2026 debut. With over 20 years at Ferrari, including roles as Chief Technical Officer and Team Principal, Binotto brings extensive experience to Audi. His appointment comes with a major shake-up in Audi’s management as the company ramps up efforts to compete in Formula 1. This change also sees Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and former Chairman Oliver Hoffmann leaving. Audi is speeding up its full acquisition of the Sauber team to streamline operations and build a strong foundation for the 2026 season. Binotto will play a key role in this transition, helping Audi prepare for its new F1 era.
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CEO of Audi AG Gernot Dollner said: 'I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project. 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.
'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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Sauber is the only team yet to score a point this season after 13 races, leaving Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas uncertain about their futures beyond 2024.
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The Swiss team has signed Nico Hulkenberg from Haas but is facing challenges in trying to acquire Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton next year. Doubts about Sainz joining Sauber have grown due to concerns about Audi’s 2026 engine and Sauber’s poor performance. Meanwhile, Renault-owned Alpine, despite its own difficulties, has shown increased interest in Sainz, with Flavio Briatore recently brought in as a consultant.
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