Binotto will speed up the improvement of Audi's F1 project, claims Bravi

Kick Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi insists that the vast experience of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will speed up the build-up process of Audi's F1 project.

As part of the management shake-up, Audi announced ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that Andreas Seidl will leave its F1 project. Departing from McLaren, the German started in his role for Audi in January last year.

Seidl's place will be taken over by former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who will head up its Formula 1 project as part of a major management shake-up. The Swiss-Italian commenced his work on August 1.

Asked about the changes at Kick Sauber which will become Audi's works team in 2026, team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi noted: "As you know, I think that as a part of the complete takeover by Audi AG of all the shares in the Sauber Group, there has been a realignment of the control structures, aiming at redefined responsibilities, to have an efficient decision-making process with a clear management structure.

"In order to reach this goal, there has been also a new leadership team that has been put in place with Mattia Binotto, that has been appointed as a CTO and COO, reporting directly to the Audi AG CEO, Gernot Döllner.

"So I think that this is a very important, again, proof of the commitment of Audi into the F1 project. Mattia has a proven track record. He has a vast experience, more than 25 years in Formula 1, having led important project, first as an engine a leader of the engine department at Ferrari, then of course overviewing the technical department until his appointment as a team principal in 2019.

"So I think that is an important decision that give again the sign of the Audi commitment and that should help the team to bring our team up to the F1 speed in terms of decision process, in terms of leadership, and I think it is an important and good move for all our team.

Reflecting on the last year during which he worked with Seidl and Hoffman as they prepared the Swiss-based outfit's transition into Audi's works outfit, Bravi said that they both had a huge impact on the start of the project.

"First of all, let me say thank you to Andreas and Oliver because, of course, they have helped the team to start the project for the entry into Formula 1. So the first thing is for them, and to thank them about their contribution. I think that as of the Audi takeover, there was a need for a change of speed into the F1 project.

"We know that there is a lot of work to be done ahead of us, but we know also that it's important that we appoint people that can help us to have a clear management structure. In order to work in a very integrated way between Hinwil and Neuburg, Because, of course, this is the target, you know, to work as a Formula 1 factory team.

"And this is something that will be even better implemented through the appointment of Mattia. And, of course, it's not for me to comment on the individual, you know, background and the reason why. But I think that we need to not judge what has been done, if not thank Andreas and Oliver, but we need to look at the future. We need to look at the next steps.

"As I mentioned, there is a lot of work ahead of us. And I think that with Mattia, we can achieve the targets that are both the targets of Audi AG and all the people working in Hinwil and in Neuburg.

Bravi insists that Binotto is the right man to head such an ambitious project that Audi has set up before joining the pinnacle of motorsport in 2026.

"Every person has a different approach. It's not a matter of just the profile, the background, the personality, of course. I know Mattia from many years, thanks to the partnership we had when Fred was our team principal at Sauber and the relationship with Ferrari.

"I think he's very competent with a very proven background. And I think that he has a vast competence, especially in the technical matters. The message is clear.

"He will be leading Sauber Motorsport. He will have a full responsibility and accountability for the sporting success of the Audi factory team. I think he has all the characteristics in order to reach this goal and guide our structure towards 2026 and onwards."