Former Ferrari Team Principal, Mattia Binotto, is set to make a comeback to Grand Prix racing as Audi announces him as the new leader of their Formula 1 project. This move comes after Audi took full ownership of the Sauber team earlier this year.

Binotto, aged 54, will assume the role of Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at the Sauber factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, starting from August 1. He will report directly to the board of directors and will be responsible for overseeing the operation and development of an all-new in-house power unit, which is currently being developed in Germany.

In a strategic restructuring, Andreas Seidl, former McLaren Team Principal and CEO of the Audi team, will be leaving the project. Alongside Seidl, Audi executive Oliver Hoffmann, who was overseeing the project, will also be parting ways.

Mattia Binotto brings more than 25 years of extensive Formula 1 experience to Audi's ambitious project. His past role as Chief Technical Officer at Ferrari, followed by his promotion to Team Principal in 2019, has garnered him valuable knowledge and expertise in the sport. Binotto left Ferrari in 2022 after three years as Team Principal, having been with the Scuderia since the mid-1990s.

Audi CEO Gernot Dollner expressed his delight in securing Binotto for their Formula 1 project, highlighting his significant contribution and experience. Dollner further emphasized the importance of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to speed.

As part of the rebranding efforts, Sauber will be renamed as the Audi works team starting from the 2026 season. The first driver confirmed to be a part of Audi's new F1 project is Nico Hulkenberg, who will join Sauber from Haas at the end of the season. Hulkenberg described the move as "interesting" and "very exciting," highlighting the unique opportunity that the 2026 regulation changes bring to level the playing field for all teams.

The futures of current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu beyond the current campaign remain unknown. However, with the upcoming changes and aspirations for success, Audi's entry into Formula 1 promises to be a significant development in the sport.

The appointment of Mattia Binotto as the leader of Audi's Formula 1 project signals the company's determination to make an impact and compete at the highest level. With the restructured team and a new power unit in the works, Audi is set to make their mark on the world of Formula 1.