Sauber has announced that it has appointed ex-Mercedes man Stefan Strähnz as its Programme Director to assist with its Formula 1 expansion into Audi from 2026.
The Sauber-owned squad will evolve into a works Audi entrant once new technical regulations are implemented to mark the manufacturer’s inaugural venture into F1.
Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl is managing the transition period into Audi and has put in place an aggressive recruitment drive behind the scenes over the recent months.
The ex-McLaren boss has now acquired Strähnz’s services from Mercedes to a new position within the Hinwil squad’s operation, where he will report straight to Seidl.
Strähnz has extensive appearance in the automotive world having worked with Toyota, BAR, Renault and Lotus and then spent the past 13 years with Mercedes-Benz.
“I am immensely proud and excited to join the talented people at Sauber Motorsport on our exciting journey to become the Audi F1 factory team in 2026, Strähnz said.
“I have experienced a similar journey in my previous roles, and I will be applying all my learnings and energy into this new and challenging programme to develop the required tools, processes and culture for sustainable long-term on- and off-track success.
“It is a true privilege to join such an iconic brand as Audi with all its previous technology and motorsport achievements.
“I look forward to taking a leadership role in our ambitious targets to win championships in F1.”
He will commence work with Sauber on October 1, 2024, as the team seeks to utilise “his wealth of operational and organisational development and leadership skills”.
Seidl added: “I am delighted to welcome Stefan to the team, and I am sure that he will bring an incredible amount of experience from his previous roles, in which he won multiple races and championships, to further complement and strengthen our leadership team.
“With his unique experience, Stefan will play a vital role in driving the team’s overall effectiveness and prepare us on our journey to full finance regulation optimisation as we become the Audi F1 factory team.
“Working closely with myself, the management team and all our expanding technical, operational and finance departments, Stefan’s main mission is to deliver fully streamlined and optimised F1 car programmes, from concept through to track introduction.”
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