Mattia Binotto set for Formula One return with Audi

Former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto is set to return to the grid, with Audi having announced him as the Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer of their team set for entry in 2026. Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman are set to leave the team, with Binotto taking charge from August 1 onwards. 

Binotto was a long-term member of the Ferrari team, since 1995, first serving as an engineer and then taking up the role of the Head of Engine Department in 2013 before becoming their Chief Technical Officer in 2016. He became their Team Principal in 2019 but resigned after three below-average seasons. 

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Speaking about having Binotto on board, Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project. With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.“ Following his university degree in mechanical engineering at EPFL in Switzerland, the Italian immediately joined the F1 test team of Ferrari in 1995. He subsequently had various positions, from chief engineer to manager of the engine department and technical director. In 2019 he was additionally appointed as team head of Scuderia Ferrari.“

“Our aim is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes. For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly. I would like to thank Oliver and Andreas for their important work in establishing our entry into Formula 1 and their commitment in preparing it.“