Mattia Binotto will make his Formula 1 comeback with Audi, replacing Andreas Seidl as the team’s new leader.
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In a significant move within the world of Formula 1, Audi has announced the appointment of former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto as the new leader of its F1 project. This strategic decision marks a major milestone for Audi as they prepare to make their grand F1 entrance, following their acquisition of the Sauber team. Binotto’s extensive experience and leadership are seen as vital components for Audi’s ambitious plans, positioning both entities for a promising future.
Mattia Binotto (54) brings over 25 years of Formula 1 experience to the table, making him a valuable asset to Audi’s new project. His tenure at Ferrari, one of the sport’s most storied teams, is particularly noteworthy. Binotto joined the Scuderia in the mid-1990s, steadily climbing the ranks to become the chief technical officer. In this role, he was instrumental in the development and optimisation of Ferrari’s power units, playing a crucial part in their on-track performance.
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In 2019, Binotto was promoted to team principal of Ferrari, a role in which he oversaw all aspects of the team’s operations. His leadership was marked by significant technical and strategic advancements, even though the team faced fierce competition and challenges. Despite leaving the team in 2022, his tenure provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of team management and the high-stakes environment of F1.
Binotto replaces Seidl, who, along with Oliver Hoffman, departs Audi as part of a restructuring. Audi CEO Gernot Dollner said: “Our aim is to bring the entire F1 project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes. For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly. I would like to thank Oliver and Andreas for their important work in establishing our entry into F1 and their commitment in preparing it.”
Binotto’s appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring within Audi’s F1 project. The departure of Seidl and Hoffmann, both of whom played significant roles in the initial phases of the project, signals a new direction under Binotto’s leadership. This shift is aimed at ensuring the team can act independently and swiftly, a necessity in the fast-paced world of F1.
Nico Hulkenberg’s confirmation as the first driver for Audi’s new F1 team further underscores the project’s potential. Hulkenberg’s move from Haas to Sauber (soon to be Audi) is seen as an exciting opportunity, especially with the 2026 regulation changes offering a more level playing field. Hulkenberg’s optimism about the fresh start and the potential for competitiveness aligns with Audi’s ambitions to hit the ground running.
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“It’s really a white piece of paper [for the 2026 regulation changes], and on one side I think that’s good,” Hulkenberg confirmed to F1’s official website.
“It’s not a new team but it’s going to be labelled a new team because probably all the know-how and advantage that current teams have, it’s wiped away a little bit, and it’s more a level playing field for everyone. I think that offers a good opportunity to be competitive straight away, but expectations are always to be successful as quickly as possible.”
Audi is yet to confirm its second F1 driver, but names like Carlos Sainz Jr and Mick Schumacher have been linked with the team. Appointing Schumacher will give the German outfit an all-German driver line-up, while Sainz’s appointment will see him join the Audi family alongside his father.
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The post He’s Back! Ex-Ferrari Team Boss Binotto joins Audi F1 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
