It’s all kicking off at Audi’s F1 project, as Binotto replaces Seidl

Well, this isn’t a brilliant sign for Audi’s F1 entry: project leader Andreas Seidl has been ditched after less than two years in the job, with former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto drafted in as his replacement.

The, er, ‘realignment’ (as Audi calls it) has also seen Sauber’s chairman of the board booted out, with his remit taken over by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

Sauber’s F1 team - which used to be known as Alfa Romeo until its sponsorship deal expired last season - is in the process of being taken over by Audi, with the VW Group brand set to join the sport proper in 2026.

Rumours about its commitment to F1 have persisted for months, although Audi has always denied that it’s gone cold on entering F1, and the company has actually accelerated its takeover of the Sauber team compared to its original plan.

But that doesn’t mean the engineering isn’t behind schedule, with all-new V6 hybrid engines and chassis regulations coming into effect when it joins the grid.

“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,” said Döllner. “For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly.

“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.”

Binotto lost his job at Ferrari back in November 2022, after a season peppered with reliability issues and bizarre strategy calls that cost the team several wins.

Only a few weeks later he was replaced by Fred Vasseur, which opened the door for Seidl to leave McLaren and join Sauber to oversee its transition to Audi.

Seidl is highly rated having been the team boss of Porsche’s successful LMP1 operation, but his stock has fallen somewhat this year: since his departure McLaren developed what is arguably now the fastest car on the grid, while Sauber is the only team yet to score a point in F1 this season.

Döllner added: “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.”