Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi explains the role of new Sauber boss Mattia Binotto: Has “full responsibility and accountability ”
The Sauber Formula 1 team has made important decisions for its future as an Audi works team from the 2026 season onwards due to its sporting downturn. Firstly, ex-Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto was installed as the new Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and only a short time later Red Bull announced the departure of Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, who will become the new Team Principal of the Audi Formula 1 team from 2026.
On the sidelines of the Belgian Grand Prix, current interim team principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi spoke about the restructuring of the team and explained Binotto’s new role. Previously, Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl were in charge of the Sauber-Audi project in a kind of dual leadership role.
“I think that there has been a realignment of the control structure following the complete takeover of the Sauber Group,” says Bravi. “The objectives are clear: defined responsibility, efficiency in the decision-making process. And I think that the fact that Mattia will have clear leadership and report directly to Gernot Döllner is an important sign of this new process.”
“It will help us to accelerate this transformation process even further. So I would say it’s not a new dynamic, but it’s a real dynamic that we need in order to master all the tasks and challenges that lie ahead. “
Bravi convinced: Mattia Binotto is that good
Bravi is also convinced that Binotto can turn things around at Sauber. Born in Switzerland, he was most recently team principal at Scuderia Ferrari before the two teams parted ways after the 2022 season and the Italian team signed Frederic Vasseur as his successor. Ironically, he came from Sauber.
When asked more specifically about Binotto’s role, Bravi said: “Mattia has a proven track record. He has a huge amount of experience, more than 25 years in Formula 1. He has managed important projects, first as head of the engine department at Ferrari, then of course as head of the technical department until his appointment as team principal in 2019. “
“So I think this is an important decision that again underlines Audi’s commitment and should help the team to match the pace of Formula 1 in terms of decision-making processes and leadership. I think it’s an important and good step for our whole team. “
Bravi on the comparison between Binotto and Andreas Seidl
“Everyone has a different approach. Of course, it’s not just about the profile, background and personality. I’ve known Mattia for many years, thanks to the partnership we had when Fred was our team principal at Sauber and thanks to the relationship with Ferrari. I think he is very competent and has a very proven background. And I think he has tremendous expertise, especially in the technical area.”
“The message is clear. He will lead Sauber Motorsport. He will be fully responsible and accountable for the sporting success of the Audi works team. I think he has all the qualities to achieve this goal and lead our structure until 2026 and beyond,” Bravi is certain.
Bravi cannot say much about the departure of the previous management team consisting of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann: “It is not my place to comment on the individual backgrounds and the reasons for this. But I don’t think we should judge what has been done.”
“We should look to the future. We need to look at the next steps. As I said, there’s a lot of work ahead of us. And I think that with Mattia we can achieve the goals that are both the goals of Audi AG and the goals of all the people who work in Hinwil and in Neuburg. “
