Audi has announced a series of significant organizational changes within its Formula 1 project as preparations intensify for the manufacturer’s official entry into the world championship in 2026.
The restructure includes expanded responsibilities for Mattia Binotto, the arrival of a new Chief Operating Officer, and the departure of CEO Adam Baker.
These changes are intended to streamline development and operational workflows as Audi integrates into the existing Sauber infrastructure and finalizes its takeover of the team ahead of its F1 debut.
Binotto Takes Broader Control as Audi Targets Cohesion
Mattia Binotto, who joined Audi’s Formula 1 program last summer as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, will now lead the project as Head of Audi F1 Project.
In this expanded role, the Italian will oversee development efforts across Audi’s key facilities in Hinwil (home of Sauber), Neuburg an der Donau, and the future technical center in England.
Audi emphasized the importance of coordinated development between the chassis and powertrain departments as a foundation for long-term competitiveness in Formula 1.
“The close coordination of development activities is aimed at achieving seamless coordination between race car and powertrain,” the company said in its statement.
Binotto’s promotion reflects a renewed push for technical synergy as Audi accelerates efforts to be fully prepared for the regulatory overhaul arriving with the 2026 season.
Leadership Transition and New Expertise
Christian Foyer has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of Audi Formula Racing GmbH (AFR), effective May 1. Foyer brings nearly two decades of experience in operations and project management within Formula 1 and high-performance automotive manufacturing.
He now joins the AFR management board, taking over the operational responsibilities previously held by outgoing CEO Adam Baker.
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Binotto: Sauber needs ‘winning mindset’ to escape survival modeAudi confirmed that the CEO role would be eliminated entirely as part of the organizational restructure.
“We would like to thank Adam Baker for his commitment over the past years,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG.
“He played a decisive role in shaping the overall strategic concept for the entry of Audi into Formula 1 and got the development of the power unit in Neuburg off the ground.
“With Christian Foyer, we are now bringing a proven expert in process structures in F1 powertrain development into the project.
“His experience will help ensure the synergistic cooperation and necessary speed on the journey we have embarked upon regarding the debut.”
A Unified and Integrated Team
In parallel, Stefan Dreyer will continue to lead power unit development at Neuburg in his capacity as Chief Technical Officer. Dreyer also steps into a new role as spokesperson for the AFR management board, reinforcing the technical direction of Audi’s F1 power unit division.
In April, another key move saw former Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley begin his tenure as Team Principal and Management Board Spokesperson at Sauber Motorsport AG, the team that will officially transition into Audi’s works operation in 2026.
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley.
Wheatley is now responsible for managing race operations at the Hinwil-based squad.
These developments signal Audi’s clear intent to establish a high-functioning and technically unified team ahead of its highly anticipated Formula 1 debut.
With new leadership in place and a sharpened focus on integration between race car and powertrain programs, the German manufacturer is entering the next phase of its F1 journey with increased momentum.
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