Binotto Tapped to Revamp Sauber's F1 Strategy

Sauber has recruited Mattia Binotto to lead Audi F1, aiming to revitalize their Formula 1 efforts.

Sauber has explained that the decision to hire Mattia Binotto as part of an internal restructuring was made to ensure Audi is at the “necessary speed in Formula 1.”

Audi announced earlier this week that CEO Andreas Seidl and Chief Representative Oliver Hoffman had left the organization with immediate effect.

The brand has opted to put former Ferrari team boss Binotto in charge of overseeing Sauber’s transition to Audi as Chief Operating Officer and Technical Director.

Binotto’s appointment comes as Sauber struggles with a less competitive C44 this season and remains the only team on the grid to have not scored a point.

Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi revealed today at Spa that the decision was made to design a more efficient structure as Audi prepares to enter F1 in 2026.

“As you know, I think as part of the complete takeover by Audi AG of all Sauber Group shares, there has been an alignment of control structures, aiming to redefine responsibilities, to have an efficient decision-making process with a clear management structure.”

“To achieve this goal, a new leadership team has been put in place with Mattia Binotto, appointed CTO and CEO, under the direct responsibility of Audi AG’s CEO, Gernot Dollner. I think this is a very important proof of Audi’s commitment to the F1 project.”

“Mattia is proven, he has vast experience, over 25 years in Formula 1, having led significant projects, first as an engine builder, head of the engine department at Ferrari, and of course, at the technical department, until his appointment as team director in 2019.”

“I think this is an important decision, which again shows the sign of Audi’s commitment.”

“And this should help the team reach the necessary speed in F1, in terms of decision-making, in terms of leadership, and I think this is an important decision for our entire team.”

Alunni Bravi acknowledged that the backstage work involving Audi was not progressing as hoped, but he is confident that Binotto will facilitate the process.

“First, allow me to thank Andreas and Oliver, as they certainly helped the team kickstart the Formula 1 entry project.”

“So, the first thing for them is to thank them for their contribution. I think that from the takeover by Audi, it was necessary to shift gears in the F1 project.”

“We know there is a lot of work ahead of us, but we also know it’s important to appoint people who can help us have a clear management structure.”

“In order to work very integratedly, between Hinwil and Neuburg, because, of course, that’s the goal, to operate like a Formula 1 factory team.”

“This is something that will be even better implemented with the appointment of Mattia.”

“And of course, it’s not for me to comment on the individual context and the reasons why this happened.”

“But I think we should not judge what has been done, but rather thank Andreas and Oliver, and we must look to the future, we must consider the next steps.”

“There is a lot of work ahead of us, and I think with Mattia, we can achieve the goals that are both those of Audi AG and those of the people working at Hinwil and Neuburg.”

Alunni Bravi clarified that Binotto’s responsibilities will involve managing both Sauber’s track competitiveness and Audi’s entry as a factory constructor.

“Each person has a different approach, you know, it’s not just about profile, career path, personality, of course.”

“I’ve known Mattia for many years, through the partnership we had with a friend who was our team director at Sauber [Frédéric Vasseur], and the relationship with Ferrari.”

“I think he is highly competent, with a very proven track record, and I think he has vast skills, especially in technical areas.”

“The message is clear, he will lead Sauber Motorsport, he will have full responsibility and accountability to aim for the sporting success of the Audi factory team.”

“I think he has all the characteristics to reach this goal and guide our structure towards 2026 and beyond.”