Audi Reshapes F1 Strategy Ahead of 2026 Debut with Key Management Changes

F1: Audi Restructures F1 Operations as 2026 Debut Approaches

As Audi prepares for its much-anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026, the German automaker has announced a major organizational restructure to better align its resources and expertise for the upcoming entry into the sport. This reshuffle includes Mattia Binotto expanding his role as Head of the Audi F1 Project, while Christian Foyer has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). The restructuring comes amid the departure of Adam Baker, the former CEO of Audi’s F1 program, whose exit was mutually agreed upon.

Mattia Binotto Takes Expanded Role

Binotto, a former team principal of Ferrari, joined Audi last year as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer. Now, his responsibilities have expanded significantly as he takes charge of all development activities at Audi’s key facilities in Hinwil, Neuburg an der Donau, and the future technical center in England. With this restructuring, Binotto’s role will focus on ensuring seamless coordination between the race car and the powertrain, a critical aspect of Audi’s entry into Formula 1.

Audi has emphasized that the closer alignment of development activities across multiple sites is crucial for ensuring a well-integrated approach as the team prepares to take over the Sauber operation in 2026. The decision to elevate Binotto’s role underlines Audi’s commitment to making a strong entry into F1, with their success hinging on effective collaboration between engineering and operational teams.

“Mattia has the leadership and technical expertise to drive our Formula 1 program forward. His experience will be pivotal as we embark on this exciting new chapter,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG.

Christian Foyer Appointed COO

In a complementary move, Christian Foyer has joined the Audi Formula Racing GmbH (AFR) management board as the new COO, effective May 1, 2025. Foyer, who brings nearly 18 years of experience in F1 operations and project management, will oversee the operational processes involved in the development of Audi’s F1 hybrid powertrain. His role will focus on ensuring smooth operations within the team and maintaining high levels of efficiency across the board.

Foyer’s appointment is seen as a critical step in ensuring the success of Audi’s ambitious F1 program. His experience in managing F1 powertrain development, gained from working with various teams and manufacturers, will play a key role in ensuring synergistic cooperation between departments and helping Audi meet the demanding timeline for its debut.

The Departure of Adam Baker

The restructuring also involves the departure of Adam Baker, who had been the CEO of Audi’s Formula 1 project since its inception. Baker had played a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction for Audi’s entry into the sport and spearheading the initial stages of the power unit development in Neuburg.

Döllner expressed gratitude for Baker’s contributions, stating, “Adam played a decisive role in the overall strategic concept for Audi’s Formula 1 entry and was instrumental in getting the power unit development off the ground.”

A New Era for Sauber and Audi F1

Audi’s restructure also signals another important change: Jonathan Wheatley has been appointed as Team Principal and Management Board Spokesperson at Sauber Motorsport AG. He took on this role in April 2025 and will oversee the team’s race operations as Sauber transitions to becoming Audi in 2026.

With Audi now firmly placing its leadership team in position, the focus will shift to ramping up development for their F1 debut. With Binotto’s technical expertise and Foyer’s operational leadership, Audi is positioning itself to be a strong contender when it enters the sport in 2026.

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