F1 | Sensational turnaround at Audi: Seidl and Hoffmann leave, Binotto's arrival is official

F1 Audi – Sensational turnaround at Audi in view of its entry into Formula 1 starting from the 2026 Formula 1 season. With a long press release issued this morning, the House of the Four Rings has formalized several changes at the top of the team's chain of command, including including that concerning Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann: the two figures, who have already been part of the project for several months, have left room for the new and unexpected entry of Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari Team Principal and now official as "Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officers (COO and CTO)”.

A sensational change which in fact opens up new, extremely interesting scenarios for the German brand's approach towards the Circus. Binotto will have carte blanche on the management of the team and full powers with regards to the technical direction in view of 2026. A sensational change, already anticipated in the racing weeks, which places an apparently prominent figure such as Seidl, former McLaren and new member, out of the team in the management staff of the Sauber/Audi duo in February 2023. Binotto will be operational in Hinwill as early as August 1st.

Binotto in Audi, the words of Gernot Döllner as CEO

“I am delighted to have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project. With his extensive experience of over 25 years in Formula 1 he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi. Our goal is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to speed through clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces and efficient decision-making processes. To this end, the team must be able to act independently and quickly. I would like to thank Oliver and Andreas for their important work in establishing our entry into Formula 1 and their commitment to preparing it.”