Audi in F1, the project shifts again: CEO Baker out!

audi in f1

Everything is set for Audi’s debut in Formula 1. Meanwhile, the German brand, which will take over Sauber, is undergoing significant leadership changes

Huge updates from Audi. Audi, poised to join the 2026 F1 grid by acquiring the current Stake Sauber team, has already introduced major organizational updates. The appointment of Mattia Binotto at the helm of the new project, alongside team principal Jonathan Wheatley (already active in Sauber operations in 2025), marks a new era for the team.

Audi in F1: Baker out, Binotto named as new CEO

The former Red Bull figure, Jonathan Wheatley, together with Mattia Binotto, will be the central pillars of the first-ever Audi F1 (or more accurately, Sauber-Audi) team. As reported by Motorsport.com, Adam Baker, who was initially appointed as CEO for the 2026 Audi project, has now officially left the company. Baker, who was meant to steer Audi’s Formula 1 ambitions, will be replaced directly by Binotto, currently acting as Sauber’s CEO.

Out Adam Baker, Mattia Binotto in

Adam Baker was thanked by Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi: “We want to thank Adam Baker for the commitment he has shown over the past years. He played a decisive role in shaping the strategic concept for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 and launched the development of the power unit at Neuburg (Audi’s factory in Germany)”.

Audi in F1, with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg set as next season’s drivers

Mattia Binotto, formerly Ferrari’s Technical Director and until now Chief Operating and Technical Officer for Audi, will now also serve as CEO, fully representing Audi (and Sauber in 2025) for the upcoming season. Having already laid the groundwork for Audi’s future, Binotto has introduced a new operational approach and is massively reshaping the team, including the announcement of a third headquarters.

The departure of Alessandro Alunni Bravi has paved the way for Jonathan Wheatley, who arrives from Red Bull alongside key figures like Adrian Newey, as well as the addition of Iñaki Rueda (former Ferrari strategist), Florian Büngener (head of communications), and most notably, Gabriel Bortoleto. The young Brazilian talent was handpicked by Binotto after a thorough selection process, edging out both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Further updates are expected in the coming days, but the Audi project is rapidly taking shape.

Photos: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber, Audi MediaCenter.com

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