Audi Restructures F1 Operations Ahead of 2026 Debut
Audi is accelerating its preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season with a significant internal restructuring of its Formula 1 project. The German manufacturer, which is set to take over the Kick Sauber team, has announced that Mattia Binotto will now lead the Audi F1 Project, while Christian Foyer joins as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This comes amid the departure of former CEO Adam Baker, as the company eliminates the CEO role entirely.
Binotto, who joined last summer as Chief Operating and Technical Officer, now holds overarching responsibility for the project. His remit includes development activities across Audi’s sites in Hinwil, Neuburg an der Donau, and its upcoming technical centre in the UK. The goal is to ensure tight integration between the race car and hybrid power unit programs under his leadership.
“The close coordination of development activities is aimed at achieving seamless coordination between race car and powertrain,” Audi stated, emphasizing its unified approach as the countdown to 2026 continues.
Christian Foyer Named COO Amid Restructuring
Christian Foyer steps into the newly created COO role as of May 1 and joins the management board of Audi Formula Racing GmbH (AFR), the entity leading Audi’s F1 powertrain development. With nearly two decades of experience across F1 teams and manufacturers in operations and project management, Foyer will oversee the operational responsibilities previously held by Baker.
“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 strategic concept for Audi’s F1 entry and kick-started power unit development at Neuburg.”
Foyer’s appointment is seen as critical to ensuring process efficiency and pace as the project gains momentum. Alongside him, Stefan Dreyer remains CTO and head of power unit development at Neuburg, and now also acts as spokesperson for the AFR management board.
Sauber Leadership Settles Ahead of 2026 Transition
On the race team side, Sauber Motorsport AG welcomed Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal in April. The former Red Bull Racing Sporting Director is now steering the on-track operations of the squad that will morph into Audi’s works team.
Audi’s commitment to building a competitive Formula 1 outfit from the ground up is becoming increasingly clear with this top-level reshuffle. All eyes now turn to 2026 as the brand prepares for its highly anticipated debut on motorsport’s biggest stage.
