Bravi: Binotto has full responsibility and accountability for Audi F1 success

While the reasons behind Seidl's fall from favour remain unclear, Audi's intent is evident in their decision to hire a renowned engine expert in Binotto and highly respected motorsport professional in Wheatley, who is widely regarded as an expert in F1 regulations. This pairing could be a powerful combination if managed effectively.

In an interview with Motorsport-Total, Audi F1 interim team boss Alessandro Alunni Bravi discussed the restructuring at Hinwil (Sauber HQ) in preparation for their big entry in 2026: "I think that after the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, there has been a realignment of the control structure.

"The goals are clear: defined responsibility and 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 is not a new dynamic, but it is the dynamic we need to tackle all the tasks and challenges that lie ahead.

"Mattia has enormous experience, more than 25 years in Formula 1," continued Bravi. "He has led 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 once again underlines Audi's commitment and should help the team to reach the pace of Formula 1 in terms of decision-making and leadership. I think it is an important and good step for our entire team."

On the comparison between Binotto and Seidl, Bravi said: "Every person has a different approach. Of course, it's not just about the profile, the background and the personality.

"I've known Mattia for many years, thanks to the partnership we had when Fred [Vasseur] was our team boss at Sauber and thanks to the relationship with Ferrari. I think Mattia's very competent and has a very proven background. And I believe he has enormous competence, especially in the technical field."

"The message is clear. Mattia will lead Sauber Motorsport," Bravi insisted. "He will bear full responsibility and accountability for the sporting success of the Audi factory team. I think he has all the qualities to achieve this goal and lead our structure until 2026 and beyond."

But Bravi was not comfortable comparing the Binotto to Seidl: "It is not my place to comment on the individual backgrounds and reasons for this. But I think that we should not judge what was done.

"We should look to the future. We need to look at the next steps. As I said, there is 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," insisted Bravi.

The Sauber Stake F1 Team will continue in 2025 in its current guise before it morphs into Audi's F1 project. Apart from Binotto and Wheatley