Audi revamps its F1 project's leadership: Here's what changes!

17:48, 05 May

byNorberto Mujica

Audi F1 is currently undergoing a major structural shape ahead of its F1 debut, in an effort to align "its Formula 1 project even more consistently with the synergies and working methods of a factory team." Mattia Binotto will now be the head the German brand's F1 project.

As a consequence, Adam Baker, former CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, the engine division of the F1 project formed upon the creation of the F1 team, has now been "eliminated as part of the reorganization. Stefan Dreyer will continue to head power unit development in Neuburg as CTO and will take on the new role of spokesperson for the AFR management board," says Audi in a press release.

Binotto steps up as head of the Audi F1 project

"As a result, Audi is bringing its operational units within the Formula 1 project under unified management and is pushing ahead with even greater integration," the statement continues.

"With just under ten months to go before the debut in the pinnacle of motorsport, the close coordination of development activities is aimed at achieving seamless coordination between race car and powertrain."

"Under the overall leadership of Mattia Binotto, existing structures will be optimized and development speed further increased through higher efficiency."

Wheatley to work closely with Binotto to 'transform the racing team'

Former Red Bull Sporting Director, Jonathan Wheatley, will play a fundamental role ahead of Audi's F1 debut in 2026, as he and the now head of the German brand's project look to shape and transform Sauber into Audi's full fledged factory team.

"Since the beginning of April, Jonathan Wheatley is Team Principal and Management Board Spokesperson at Sauber Motorsport AG. In close collaboration with Mattia Binotto, Wheatley is accompanying and shaping the transformation of the racing team."

"His focus is on managing the race operations of the future Audi F1 Team and representing Audi at the team principal level in Formula 1's strategic forums."

Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG, Gernot Döllner commented on the leadership reshuffling: "We would like to thank Adam Baker for his commitment over the past years. 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,” the German CEO concluded.