Sauber has announced that Stefano Sordo has been appointed the side’s Formula 1 Performance Director as it increases its preparations to morph into Audi in 2026.
Audi is gearing up to venture into the series for the first time as a works entrant once brand-new technical regulations, which were released last week, are introduced.
The Hinwil-based squad is working towards that with a new position titled Performance Director which Sordo will take up and report to Technical Director James Key.
Sordo has an extensive background in motorsport having graduated to become Director of Vehicle Performance at McLaren before tasting title success with Red Bull.
The Italian was working as RLL Racing’s Technical Director over in the United States, but he will now return to F1 to help assist Sauber’s impending transition into Audi.
“I am delighted to join Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber and take on a role that will have a direct impact on unlocking the performance we already have within our company, and help it reach new heights,” Sordo said.
“The team is at a crucial juncture in its history, with the start of the Audi adventure just around the corner, and I am looking forward to tackling the challenge that lies ahead.
“I am excited about what the future holds: the targets the team has set for itself are ambitious, but I see a lot of confidence from everyone within this organisation.”
Sauber has endured a disappointing start to the current season with an overhauled C44 car – the first Kee has designed – failing to deliver a point in the first nine races.
“As our Technical Departments continue to grow towards our new organization and future ambitions, I am delighted to welcome Stefano to the team as Performance Director,” Key said.
“Stefano is a key addition to our team, one which will shape our understanding and priorities for the new cars’ performance direction and in-season development, working closely with myself, as well as our Vehicle Performance, Aerodynamics and Track Engineering groups.
“Stefano brings a wealth of experience to the team, combined with his focused and hard-pushing approach, and is a strong and influential team player throughout.
“I welcome Stefano to the team and look forward to working with him towards our goals.”
Sauber Group CEO Andreas Seidl added: “The appointment of Stefano is an important step in the development of the structure of our technical department.
“Stefano knows what a winning squad needs, brings a wealth of experience to the team and, with the different array of roles he played in the past, he is perfectly placed to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our technical operations, and address what is required.
“We have a strong technical team in Hinwil, and Stefano’s appointment will help us to harness these skills and turn them into performance as we continue in this crucial time for our outfit, with the Audi F1 works team being readied for its debut.”
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