Paris, France – July 24, 2024 – In a surprising turn of events, Audi has announced a major shakeup in its Formula One leadership. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will take the reins as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, while Andreas Seidl, previously slated for the role, is departing the project altogether.
Binotto, a seasoned figure in F1 with over 25 years of experience, will assume his new position on August 1st. He will be based at Sauber’s Hinwil factory in Switzerland and report directly to the Audi board. This move comes after Binotto left Ferrari at the end of the 2022 season.
“We are delighted to have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” said Audi CEO Gernot Dollner. “With his extensive experience, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.”
Seidl’s Exit and Audi’s Restructuring
The news of Seidl’s departure comes as a surprise, as he had been appointed CEO of the Audi F1 team back in December 2022. His exit coincides with the departure of Audi executive Oliver Hoffmann, who was overseeing the project.
An official statement from Audi describes the changes as part of a “complete takeover of all shares in Sauber Holding AG and the associated realignment of the control structure.”
Binotto’s Return to F1 and the Future of Audi’s Project
Binotto’s return to F1 signifies a swift turnaround after his departure from Ferrari. His experience, particularly on the technical side, is expected to be a valuable asset for Audi as they prepare to enter the sport in 2026 with a brand new power unit.
The full impact of these leadership changes remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Audi’s Formula One project is entering a new phase with a revamped team at the helm.
