Audi continues to adjust its plans for entering Formula 1 in 2026: A new management structure is intended to give the project an even more centralized focus
Audi is strategically realigning its Formula 1 project to strengthen its position as a works team just under ten months before its debut in the premier class.
In the future, Mattia Binotto will take over as head of all development activities at the Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau sites and at the technology center currently under construction in England.
According to a press release from Audi, the goal is to achieve even closer coordination between vehicle and powertrain development and greater efficiency through centralized management.
There will be further changes in the area of powertrain development: Christian Foyer has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Audi Formula Racing GmbH (AFR) with effect from May 1, 2025. AFR is responsible for the development of the Formula 1 hybrid powertrain.
The engineer, who has 18 years of Formula 1 experience, will take over operational tasks previously held by the former CEO Adam Baker. Baker is leaving the project by mutual agreement. His services in establishing the strategic foundations and powertrain development have been recognized by Audi.
“We would like to thank Adam Baker for his commitment over the past years. He played a decisive role in shaping the overall strategic concept for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 and got the development of the power unit in Neuburg off the ground,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG.
“With Christian Foyer, we are now bringing a proven expert in process structures in Formula 1 powertrain development into the project,” said Döllner. ”His experience will help ensure the synergistic collaboration and necessary speed with regard to the debut on the journey we have embarked upon.”
The reorganization means that the CEO role at AFR will be eliminated. Stefan Dreyer will remain Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and will also serve as spokesperson for the AFR management board.
Jonathan Wheatley has been Team Principal at Sauber Motorsport AG since April. He works closely with Binotto and is responsible for both the team’s race operations and Audi’s strategic representation in Formula 1.