Mattia Binotto has officially been appointed to head the Audi F1 project as Andreas Seidl exits in a major management restructure.
Audi has appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as the head of its F1 project, effective August 1, 2024. This decision comes as part of a major management shake-up that sees Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann exiting the team.
Binotto, who previously served as the team principal for Ferrari, brings over 25 years of experience in Formula 1, making him a vital addition to Audi’s ambitions in the sport.
Audi’s move to bring the Italian on board is strategic, reflecting the company’s desire to enhance its control over the operations of its F1 team as it prepares for its debut in the 2026 season.
The decision also comes on the heels of Audi’s recent full takeover of the Sauber team, which has struggled this season, failing to score any points. The dismal performance has underscored the need for a strong leadership presence to guide the team through its transition into a fully-fledged Audi operation.
“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” Audi CEO Gernot Doellner expressed his enthusiasm for Binotto’s recruitment in a statement. “With his extensive experience, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.”
Binotto will assume the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, reporting directly to the Audi board. This direct oversight is intended to ensure that the new structure allows for greater autonomy and independence within the team, which is crucial for making swift and effective decisions in the fast-paced environment of Formula 1.
Doellner also emphasized the importance of establishing clear management structures, defined responsibilities, and efficient decision-making processes to enable the team to act independently and quickly.
“Our aim is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes,” he added.
“For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly.”
The restructuring at Audi comes at a time when the team is ramping up its preparations for the 2026 season, aiming to ensure that it is competitive from the outset.
Binotto’s appointment is seen as a pivotal move to instill a culture of performance and excellence within the team. His extensive background in technical management and team leadership will be critical as Audi seeks to establish itself as a formidable competitor in the sport.
His experience at Ferrari, where he oversaw significant technical developments and team dynamics, positions him well to tackle the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, the departure of Seidl and Hoffmann marks a significant shift in Audi’s approach to its F1 project, as the former, who was initially brought in to lead the team’s efforts, has left after a relatively short tenure. The exits comes after the two were reported to have been at odds with each other behind the scenes.
Seidl left McLaren to join Audi in 2023 having served as their team principal from 2019 to 2022. The German was already familiar with the Sauber operation having worked with BMW between 2000 and 2009.
“I would like to thank Oliver and Andreas for their important work in establishing our entry into Formula 1 and their commitment in preparing it,” said Dollner.
As Audi prepares for its entry into Formula 1, the focus will be on not only building a competitive car but also assembling a strong driver lineup. The team has already signed Nico Hulkenberg for a multi-year deal, but securing a second driver remains a priority.
The ongoing negotiations for potential candidates will be crucial in shaping the team’s future success.
