Audi and Sauber Motorsport has named Mattia Binotto as its new F1 boss after announcing departure of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann.
In a surprising move, Audi and Sauber has named former Ferrari chief Binotto as its new boss in F1, with the Italian to start work at Hinwil from August 1 itself. He will replace Seidl and Hoffmann, who are to step down after rumours of their exit.
The notion of Audi sacking Seidl had been doing rounds for few weeks which has been confirmed now, with the German not to be in position when the German manufacturer formally starts business from 2026 onward after Sauber takeover.
Binotto is due to become the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer in time to come and will have control of the operative management and sporting success of the racing outfit, which will have autonomy and independence from other divisions.
The Italian – who departed Ferrari at the end of 2022 season – will make his return to F1 in similar capacity, heading the Audi project. He will report to the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. The team already has signed up Nico Hulkenberg as one of its drivers.
The discussions around the second seat continues with Carlos Sainz a key name linked to it. With the arrival of Binotto, it could sway the Spaniard to join Audi, since he was at Ferrari when the Italian was at the helm of the Italian F1 outfit.
“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” said Audi CEO, Gernot Dollner. “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,” summed up Dollner, who will replace Hoffmann as Chairman of Board of Directors at Sauber Motorsport AG.
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