Mattia Binotto will join Audi as their Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. The former Ferrari team principal is tasked with leading Audi into the next era of Formula 1. His departure is not the only significant news from Sauber, with Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman leaving the project.
Audi announce Binotto appointment
Binotto’s time at Ferrari is considered a very difficult period for the team, especially during the height of Ferrari’s battle against Red Bull in 2022.
However, the 54-year-old’s leadership at Maranello represents only a small portion of his F1 career.
Binotto can be credited with an integral role in Ferrari’s dominant era in the early 2000s, helping to mastermind the power units that powered the Scuderia.
Two decades later, he is entrusted with a key leadership position at Audi.
Previously, Binotto has been linked with a potential Alpine move. However, the French outfit’s likely switch to Mercedes engines would make them a customer team for 2026. Taking this path almost certainly reduced their appeal.
No such process is taking place at Audi, however, with the Hinwil-based team looking to Binotto’s expertise in this critical period.
He will officially take on his new role on August 1st.
New leadership at Hinwil
Audi released a statement on Binotto’s arrival:
“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.”
When the new 2026 regulations arrive, there will be immense pressure on the various manufacturers in F1. This is especially true for new arrivals like Audi.
The challenge Binotto faces is not an easy one, but the potential to spearhead a project of such magnitude is undoubtedly an exciting prospect.
This appointment represents a significant change in Audi’s leadership structure. Andreas Seidl who left McLaren to join this project, is no longer part of the team.
Considering the speculations in previous years about the German brand’s commitment to F1, this announcement is a statement of their vision for the future.
