Binotto given full responsibility to ‘accelerate’ Audi F1 programme

40

Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi says Mattia Binotto will have "full responsibility" to expedite Audi's F1 project.

Audi has opted for a decisive change in leadership after facing challenges in integrating its operations with the Swiss-based team and attracting top talent.

Despite the manufacturer’s accelerated takeover of Sauber, the team has struggled both on and off the track, languishing at the bottom of the championship this year.

A power struggle between Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and board chairman Oliver Hoffmann further complicated matters, prompting Audi CEO Gernot Dollner to dismiss both executives and bring in Binotto as the sole leader to improve efficiency and accelerate the F1 programme’s development.

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

"As of the Audi takeover, there was a need for a change of speed of the F1 project," Alunni Bravi explained. "The targets are clear; to have full responsibility and efficiency in the decision-making process.

"And I think the fact that Mattia will have a clear leadership reporting directly to Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner is an important sign of this new process, that will help us to even further accelerate this transformation."

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber Managing Director and Team Representative.

Binotto's arrival is expected to trigger further management changes within the team.

"It's clear that Mattia is the leader of the team, and of course it will be part of his decision to establish the management team," said Alunni Bravi. "I don't think that this is relating to a single individual.

"Mattia has the full support of everybody at Audi, including myself. He has a proven track record, a vast experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1. I think he is very competent with a very proven background, especially in technical matters.

"He has all the characteristics in order to guide our structure towards 2026 and onwards."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.