Sauber has explained that the decision to hire Mattia Binotto as part of an internal restructuring has been made to ensure the Audi venture is up to “Formula 1 speed”.
The marque has elected to place erstwhile Ferrari team boss Binotto in charge to oversee Sauber’s transition into Audi as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer.
Binotto’s appointment comes as Sauber has struggled with an uncompetitive C44 car this season and remains the sole team on the grid that hasn’t amassed a point.
Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi has revealed the choice was taken to devise a more economical structure as Audi prepares to enter F1 in 2026.
“As you know, I think that as a part of the complete takeover from Audi AG of all the shares in the Sauber Group, there has been an alignment of the control structures, aiming at redefined responsibilities, to have an efficient decision-making process with a clear management structure,” he explained.
“In order to reach this goal, there has been also a new leadership team that has been put in place with Mattia Binotto, that has been appointed as a CTO and CEO, reporting directly to the Audi AG CEO, Gernot Dollner. So I think that this is a very important, again, proof of the commitment of Audi into the F1 project.
“Mattia has a proven track record, has a vast experience, more than 25 years in Formula 1, having led important projects, first as an engine, a leader of the engine department at Ferrari, then of course, reviewing the technical department, until his appointment as a team principal in 2019.
“So, I think that is an important decision, that gives again the sign of the Audi commitment.
“And that should help the team to bring our team up to the F1 speed, in terms of decision process, in terms of leadership, and I think it’s an important move for all our team.”
Alunni Bravi has suggested the work going on behind the scenes involving Audi wasn’t progressing as desired, but he’s convinced Binotto will smoothen the process.
“First of all, let me say thank you to Andreas and Oliver, because of course they have helped the team to start the project for the entry into Formula 1,” he added.
“So the first thing is for them, to thank you about their contribution. I think that as of the Audi takeover, there was a need for a change of speed into the F1 project.
“We know that there is a lot of work to be done, ahead of us, but we know also that it’s important that we appoint people that can help us to have a clear management structure.
“In order to work in a very integrated way, between Hinwil and Neuburg, because of course this is the target, to work as a Formula 1 factory team.
“This is something that will be even better implemented through the appointment of Mattia.
“And of course, it’s not for me to comment on the individual background and the reasons why.
“But I think that we need to not judge what has been done, if not thank Andreas and Oliver, but we need to look at the future, we need to look at the next steps.
“There is a lot of work ahead of us, and I think that with Mattia, we can achieve the targets that are both the targets of Audi AG and the people working in Hinwil and Neuburg.”
Alunni Bravi has clarified that Binotto’s responsibilities will entail managing both Sauber’s on-track competitiveness and also Audi’s arrival as a works manufacturer.
“Every person has a different approach, you know, it’s not a matter of just the profile, the background, you know, the personality, of course.
“I know Mattia for many years, thanks to the partnership we had with a friend who was our team principal at Sauber [Frederic Vasseur], and the relationship with Ferrari.
“I think he’s very competent, with a very proven background, and I think that he has a vast competence, especially in the technical matters.
“The message is clear, he will be leading the Sauber Motorsport, he will have a full responsibility and accountability for the sporting success of the Audi factory team.
“I think he has all the characteristics in order to reach this goal and, you know, guide our structure towards 2026 and onwards.”
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