Seidl’s Exit from Sauber Disrupts Audi’s F1 Strategy, Forcing Leadership Overhaul and Binotto-Wheatley Alliance
In a significant shake-up within the Formula 1 paddock, Audi’s ambitious plans for its 2026 entry into the sport have hit a roadblock following the sudden departure of ex-Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl. According to reports, Seidl had been maneuvering to install Aston Martin’s current boss, Mike Krack, as the Team Principal of Audi’s F1 team—a move that could have dramatically altered the future landscape of the sport.
Seidl, who left his role as McLaren’s team boss in December 2022 to lead Sauber Motorsport through its transformation into Audi’s works team, was reportedly keen on bringing Krack on board to spearhead Audi’s F1 campaign. However, these plans were abruptly halted when Seidl, along with Audi’s Chief Representative Oliver Hoffmann, exited the project as the German brand began restructuring its management.
The shake-up saw former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto step in as Sauber Motorsport’s Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, tasked with leading Audi’s F1 entry. Binotto’s arrival has already prompted significant changes, including the appointment of Red Bull’s long-serving Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley as Audi’s F1 boss—a move that might not have happened had Seidl stayed on.
The disruption comes at a critical time for Sauber, which has endured a dismal season, being the only team yet to score a point in the current campaign. The leadership switch was framed as a necessary move to “accelerate” Sauber’s integration into Audi’s fold, particularly with the new technical regulations set to debut in 2026.
Mike Krack, who took over the reins at Aston Martin in January 2022, has been a steady presence amid the rapid turnover of team principals across F1. Under his guidance, Aston Martin initially flourished, securing six podiums in the first eight races of the 2023 season with Fernando Alonso. However, the team has since faltered, falling behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, and dropping to fifth in the Constructors’ standings.
Krack’s potential move to Sauber/Audi, which reportedly was discussed with Seidl, ultimately fell through as Seidl’s exit became imminent. Instead, Binotto’s swift move to secure Wheatley’s services highlights the rapidly evolving dynamics within F1’s upper management as teams jostle for position ahead of the 2026 shake-up.
While Krack remains at the helm of Aston Martin, focusing on the team’s long-term prospects with new technical recruits and an expanded Silverstone headquarters, the broader implications of these leadership changes at Audi are yet to be fully realized. As Audi prepares for its highly anticipated debut, the departure of Seidl and the collapse of the Krack deal could mark a pivotal moment in the brand’s F1 journey.
Photo from Audi F1 Instagram
