Audi F1 restructures ahead of 2026 debut as Mattia Binotto takes charge, uniting chassis and engine efforts under one vision.
As Audi gears up for its highly anticipated Formula 1 debut next season, the team is continuing its internal restructuring to streamline operations and accelerate development.
Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team boss who joined the Audi F1 project as Chief Technical Officer and Head of Operations, has now been promoted to Project Director. In this new role, he will oversee the full scope of the program—from chassis development in Hinwil, to power unit engineering in Neuburg, and the soon-to-be-established technical center in the UK.
This move signals a more integrated approach: no longer will the Swiss and German divisions work independently. Instead, chassis and engine development will be closely aligned under Binotto’s leadership.
Trackside operations will be led by Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, formerly Sporting Director at Red Bull Racing. Wheatley will also serve as the team’s public face at the Sauber base in Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Christian Foyer replaces outgoing CEO Adam Baker, who is stepping away from the project by mutual agreement. Foyer, a seasoned Formula 1 figure since the early 2000s, officially joined Audi on May 1st and will serve as Head of Operations in Germany.
“We thank Adam Baker for his dedication over the past few years,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board at AUDI AG. “He played a key role in laying the strategic foundations for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 and kickstarted the power unit program in Neuburg.”
Döllner added, “Christian Foyer brings deep expertise in F1 powertrain development and organizational structure. His knowledge will be instrumental in keeping our operations agile and collaborative as we move toward our first race.”
The CEO position has now been eliminated from Audi F1’s structure. Stefan Dreyer will continue to lead the German side of the project as Technical Director of the Neuburg facility and will act as Audi F1’s representative in Germany. Wheatley will hold the same spokesperson role for the Swiss side of the team at Sauber.
- Discover More>Piastri Outsmarts Norris in McLaren’s Mental Duel
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update
Audi F1 Reshapes Team as Binotto Takes Full Control Audi F1 Reshapes Team as Binotto Takes Full Control