Former Ferrari Formula 1 boss Mattia Binotto has been appointed head of the Audi Formula 1 project, the German manufacturer announced on Tuesday, expected to make its debut in the premier class of motorsport in 2026.
As of 1er Next August, the 54-year-old Italian will replace the German Andreas Seidl, CEO of the Swiss team Sauber, who had been appointed head of the future Audi team with which the Swiss brand has signed a partnership.
“Mattia Binotto will be Chief Operating Officer and Technical Director at Sauber Motorsport AG; he will be responsible for the operational management and sporting success of the racing team,” Audi said in its statement on Tuesday.
The decision comes “as part of the complete takeover of all shares of Sauber Holding AG and the resulting reorganization of the control structure,” the future team said.
Earlier this year, the manufacturer with the four rings, which is part of the Volkswagen galaxy, announced that it had finalized the acquisition of Sauber.
The Swiss team, currently last in the constructors’ championship, will however continue to race in F1 until the end of 2025 under its own name, while remaining powered by Ferrari.
As for Mattia Binotto, born in Lausanne (Switzerland), he will return to the world of F1 less than two years after his ouster from Ferrari, after four seasons as director.
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