Audi has announced a restructure in the management of its nascent Formula 1 team after the departure of former Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley.
The German squad was rocked by the former Red Bull Sporting Director’s departure last month, having taken the helm last season during its transition from Sauber.
Since Wheatley’s exit, the project’s chief, Mattia Binotto, has taken up the role on the pit wall, and indicated at the time that little changes will be made, with no outside appointments.
Audi’s announcement on Friday confirms that Binotto will remain in charge, but has handed a promotion to legendary driver and ex-F1 driver Allan McNish.
McNish, who holds a longstanding relationship with the brand through his endurance racing and Formula E Team Principal duties, has already been involved with the team, as head of its Driver Development Programme.
The three-time Le Mans winner – who spent one season in F1 with Toyota in 2002 – will remain in this position, as well as holding a new title of Racing Director.
In a statement, Binotto said: “Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role. He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years and, in his roles within Audi Revolut F1 Team since its start, has played a key role in shaping our preparation for Formula One, not least with his work around technical partnerships.
“This appointment strengthens our trackside leadership at a crucial stage of our project. Allan’s ability to connect all performance-related areas – from sporting operations to driver development – will be fundamental as we continue to build our team.”
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McNish voiced his relish at being able to take on another important position within the ranks at Audi, saying: “It is a privilege to take on the role of Racing Director for Audi Revolut F1 Team: this is a marque that means a lot to me and it is an honour to be able to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsports. This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and Formula One, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance.
“The project we are building is ambitious, and my focus will be on ensuring that all aspects of our race operations are delivering at their most competitive level and continuously improving. Together with our Driver Development Programme, to which I remain fully committed, my focus will be on implementing the building blocks for our success, under the direction of Mattia and the Board of Directors.”
McNish’s loyalty to the brand, as well as Binotto’s experience, will be likely to ensure some much-needed stability for Audi as it continues to progress in its maiden season.
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