Audi’s F1 project promises team independence, learning from rival Renault’s struggles, ensuring swift decision-making and minimal corporate interference.
Audi is structuring its Formula 1 involvement to ensure the Hinwil team retains independent control over key decisions.
Alpine F1, a rival team owned by Renault, is struggling on track and has even decided to drop its factory engine programme by 2026. The French automotive giant’s overt and clumsy involvement has been widely blamed for these difficulties.
Now that Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, has fully acquired the Swiss Sauber team for its own F1 effort from 2026, CEO Gernot Dollner (pictured left, next to Mattia Binotto) confirms that a framework is being established to allow Audi F1 to operate with the speed and agility of an independent Formula 1 team.
“We obviously have a supervisory board,” Dollner explains. “But if a final decision needed to be made, we would make it. I would make it.”
“That said, I don’t see the need. I see my role more as ensuring a perfect connection between the Audi Group and the F1 project.”
Dollner acknowledges that many automakers in the past, such as BMW and Toyota, were overly involved in managing their F1 projects, to their detriment.
“Even manufacturers with motorsport in their DNA shouldn’t interfere,” Dollner stresses. “Because F1 is entirely different from the automotive industry.”
“You simply have to leave it to the experts.”
Indeed, former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has been appointed to head Audi F1 and will have the authority to make swift decisions without corporate interference or approval.
“We are absolutely independent in how we manage the project,” Dollner confirms. “And with the new structure, we’ve enhanced it to ensure the F1 project is fast and independent from corporate processes.”
He emphasises that Audi’s role will be to ensure that “Mattia’s team can act quickly and autonomously.”
“We’re fully aware that it’s essential to keep this project separate from the group. It’s only in areas such as marketing, design aspects, and sponsorship where we will, of course, maintain a link.”
“But otherwise, decisions will be made at Hinwil. That is our top priority.”
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Audi F1 secures independence to avoid past manufacturer pitfalls Audi F1 secures independence to avoid past manufacturer pitfalls
