Audi puts Binotto in charge of F1 project - dismisses top brass!

In a dramatic management shake-up of its Formula 1 project, Audi has announced the appointment of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as its new chief operating and chief technical officer.

Both Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and Audi chief representative Oliver Hoffmann, who were rumored earlier this month to have been at odds with each other, will leave the manufacturer’s F1 project.

Binotto, who left Ferrari at the end of the 2022 season and who will join Audi on August 1, will have "responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team," according to the Ingolstadt firm.

Hoffmann previously had overall responsibility for the project as chairman of the Boards of Directors of all Sauber companies while Seidl, who joined Sauber from McLaren at the end of 2022 as Fred Vasseurs’ replacement, was CEO of Sauber Motorsport and effectively ran the Swiss F1 team.

Binotto's arrival is a strategic masterstroke for Audi. His experience and technical prowess are undeniable assets. More importantly, he represents a clean slate, a leader untainted by the Sauber struggles.

• Read also: Sainz still in waiting mode, taking ‘selfish’ approach to F1 future

"I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” commented Audi CEO Gernot Doellner.

"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,” Doellner added.

Sauber currently sit dead last in F1’s Constructors Championship, a points desert after 13 races. The future of their current drivers, Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas, also hangs in the balance as their contracts expire.

Desperate for a change of fortunes, Sauber has already secured the services of veteran Nico Hulkenberg from Haas. But their dream target, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, seems to be slipping away.

Doubts about Sauber's performance and Audi's new engine in 2026 have cast a shadow over the possibility of Sainz joining the Hinwil squad.

However, the Spaniard might be inclined to give more thought to the Audi project now helmed by Binotto, his former team boss at Ferrari.

Regarding the rumor mill, the recent whisper in the F1 paddock was that Hoffmann, before his dismissal, was seeking to poach Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack from the Silverstone-based outfit to lead Audi’s F1 operations as its team principal.

Should Krack effectively move to Audi to work under Binotto’s orders, Seidl could fill the void at Aston Martin.

The Audi management saga might not be over just yet.

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