Former Ferrari race strategist Rueda joins Sauber

Sauber has announced several new appointments as the Swiss outfit continues its transition to Audi in 2026, with former race strategist Ignacio Rueda among its recruits.

The Spaniard will take over as Sauber’s sporting director, a role held by long-standing team member Beat Zehnder who will transition to a new position as director of signature programs and operations, overseeing the team’s transformation.

Rueda, who sat for several years on Ferrari’s pitwall as its main race strategist, working under the orders of Audi-Sauber boss Mattia Binotto, brings a wealth of experience to the Hinwil squad from his time at the Scuderia, but also previously at Jordan and at Renault/Lotus.

“In his new position, Ignacio Rueda will be responsible for overseeing all sporting activities, managing the relationship with FIA and all regulations matters trackside,” Sauber stated.

• Read also: Binotto sets timeline for Audi’s championship glory in F1

Furthermore, Giampaolo Dall’Ara has been appointed head of racing engineering. Dall’Ara is well acquainted with Sauber, having enjoyed a fifteen-year stint with the team between 200 and 2015.

The Italian will oversee Sauber’s race engineering operations at Hinwil and trackside to “optimise alignment on all car performance-related topics”.

Audi-Sauber kicked off its management restructuring in earnest last summer with Binotto’s appointment as the team’s chief operating officer and chief technical officer.

This was followed by the announcement of current Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley moving to Sauber and taking on the role of team principal from 2025.

Commented on its latest appointments, Sauber said: “These leadership changes infuse the team with renewed confidence as they strengthen the organisation as it prepares for future challenges and opportunities, with a bright future as a factory team ahead.”

Sauber is expected to soon announce its full 2025 line-up, with incumbent Valtteri Bottas and McLaren protégé Gabriel Bortoleto cited as the team’s most likely options to fill the remaining seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

Sauber remains the only outfit on the grid which has yet to score a championship point this season.

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