Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari Formula 1 boss, will be fully responsible for Audi’s decision during the takeover of the Sauber team.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi reveals that Audi wants to “change the speed” of its Sauber takeover. The Binotto sole leadership decision will help achieve the desired results.
Recently, Audi announced the departure of the two key leaders i.e. Andrea Siedl and Oliver Hoffmann who served as CEO and Chairman respectively. It announced, that it would fill both positions with a single chief Binotto from August 1st, 2024.
Audi had struggled to enter F1 despite continuous efforts since its announcement in 2022. Despite putting all efforts to accelerate the takeover, it failed to complete its process smoothly. It also struggled with attracting talent on the grid.
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Sauber failed to improve with any points on the grid, which is linked to the power struggle between Seidl and Hoffman. This eventually convinced Audi CEO Gernot Dollner to step in and place Binotto with full authority over the team.
“As of the Audi takeover, there was a need for a change of speed of the F1 project,” Alunni Bravi explained.
“The targets are clear; to have full responsibility and efficiency in the decision-making process.
“And I think the fact that Mattia will have a clear leadership reporting directly to Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner. It is an important sign of this new process, that will help us to even further accelerate this transformation.”
Binotto will stir things at the team especially to put a new team principal in place. Bravi expressed his full support for the man and expect better results for the team.
“It’s clear that Mattia is the leader of the team. And of course it will be part of his decision to establish the management team,” said Alunni Bravi. “I don’t think that this is relating to a single individual.
“Mattia has the full support of everybody at Audi, including myself. He has a proven track record, a vast experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1.
“I think he is very competent with a very proven background, especially in technical matters.
“He has all the characteristics in order to guide our structure towards 2026 and onwards.”
