Andreas Seidl sacked by Audi as former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto returns to Formula One to lead Audi's F1 project

As preparations for entering the highest class of motorsports are going full speed, Audi has announced the appointment of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto to head up its Formula 1 project as part of a major management shake-up.

Audi which is set to take over the Sauber F1 outfit from 2026 has now announced that Mattia Binotto will join its F1 project. The former Ferrari team boss will commence his work on August 1.

“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,“ says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.“

Following his university degree in mechanical engineering at EPFL in Switzerland, the Italian immediately joined the F1 test team of Ferrari in 1995. He subsequently had various positions, from chief engineer to manager of the engine department and technical director. In 2019 he was additionally appointed as team head of Scuderia Ferrari.

In future, Mattia Binotto will be Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer (COO and CTO) in the leadership team of Sauber Motorsport AG, with responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team. Mattia Binotto will report to the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.

The decision for Mattia Binotto is part of the realignment of the control structure for the future Audi factory team. This realignment ensures the autonomy and independence of the Audi F1 project. In this context, Audi is reorganizing the management team for its F1 activities.

“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,” says Gernot Döllner, who will take the position of chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG in future.

As part of the management shake-up, Andreas Seidl will leave Audi's F1 project. Departing from McLaren, the German started in his role for Audi in January last year.

He was charged with preparing Audi for its F1 entry in 2026, when new regulations for both chassis and engine are coming into force.

Oliver Hoffmann, previously Chairman of the Boards of Directors of all Sauber companies, is also leaving the project as part of the realignment.

Gernot Döllner: “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.“