Official: former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto returns to F1 with Audi. Audi has appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto to head up its F1 project.

Audi has officially confirmed that it has brought on board ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto to lead its Formula 1 project as part of a significant management overhaul.

Earlier today, Audi revealed the Italian manager would assume the roles of chief operating officer and chief technical officer starting August 1, spearheading preparations for its 2026 Formula 1 debut.

This move coincides with the departures of Sauber chief executive officer Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, previously the chairman of Audi’s board of directors, from the project.

The shift in leadership highlights Audi’s intensified efforts to gear up for its F1 entry. The company aims to strengthen its control over operations and enhance its infrastructure, particularly as Sauber remains the only team without a point this season.

Audi has fast-tracked its complete acquisition of the Sauber team to better position itself for the 2026 Formula 1 season by implementing necessary changes well in advance.

With Mattia Binotto at the helm, reporting directly to the Audi board, the company ensures it has a leader capable of maintaining Audi’s autonomy and independence in the competitive world of Formula 1.

Audi CEO Gernot Doellner stated: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project. With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi. 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. For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly.

Mattia Binotto has been absent from Formula 1 since departing with Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 campaign after not securing the world championship, despite a strong start, with two race wins for Charles Leclerc in the first three races and a car that started the championship as the fastest on the grid, only to gradually be outdeveloped by rivals Red Bull.

The Swiss-born Italian began his Ferrari career in 1995 and steadily advanced through the ranks, eventually overseeing both the engine and chassis technical departments before being appointed team principal in 2019.