logo
Audi announces second management restructure

Audi announces second management restructure

BBC News05-05-2025
Audi has restructured the management of its Formula 1 team for the second time in less than a year before its official appearance on the grid next season.Mattia Binotto, previously chief operating and technical officer, has been made head of Audi F1 project, while chief executive officer Adam Baker has left the company.A spokesperson for Audi said the move made the structure of engine and chassis departments "clearer and streamlined".Binotto joined Audi in July last year in a reorganisation that removed its former F1 chief executive officer Andreas Seidl, who had been recruited from McLaren, where he was team principal, at the end of 2022. The spokesperson said that, with Binotto in place, it became apparent over time that the CEO role had "become obsolete".The Audi project is split over two sites. The power-unit base is in Neuburg an der Donau in Germany and the car design and manufacturing base - currently competing in F1 as Sauber under Audi ownership - is in Hinwil in Switzerland.Audi will formally enter F1 in 2026, when new engine rules that attracted the company come into force. These increase the amount of power provided by the electrical component of the engine to about 50%.The company is also looking for a base in England in which to house a small part of the design team so Audi can tap into the expertise in the so-called "motorsport valley" in south-east England. The responsibilities of Binotto and team principal Jonathan Wheatley will not change under the new structure.Binotto is in overall charge of chassis and engine design and manufacture, while Wheatley runs the team once the car leaves the factory for races. Wheatley was recruited from Red Bull, where he had been sporting director, and began work at Sauber at the third race of this season, the Japanese Grand Prix last month.Audi has also appointed a new chief operating officer, Christian Foyer, to take over the responsibilities on the engine side previously held by Baker.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Portugal prime minister insists ‘everything is ready' to return to F1 calendar
Portugal prime minister insists ‘everything is ready' to return to F1 calendar

The Independent

time27 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Portugal prime minister insists ‘everything is ready' to return to F1 calendar

Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro has made it known his desire to see F1 return to the Algarve in 2027. The Algarve International Circuit last hosted an F1 grand prix in the Covid-impacted season of 2021, having returned to the calendar in 2020 in similar circumstances. However, amid new destinations such as Miami and Las Vegas being added to the schedule, Portugal fell off the list. Yet while the 2026 calendar has already been announced, Montengero is pushing for Portugal to return to the schedule in 2027. 'One of the circumstances that most contributes to promoting this region is major events," he said. 'We have secured the MotoGP, the world's premier motorcycling event, for 2025 and 2026. 'And I can tell you that we have everything ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve in 2027. 'These events require some financial effort on the part of the government, but they have a direct financial return and an indirect promotional return that are, quite frankly, well worth it.' However, it is a wide-ranging list of countries keen for a spot on the 24-race calendar. While Imola has not been included on next year's schedule, Madrid will be added to the list with a street circuit in the Spanish capital. Zandvoort, home to the Dutch Grand Prix, will drop off after next year's final event, while Barcelona's deal with F1 also comes to an end after next year. However, the likes of Thailand and South Korea are all keen on staging a race with a heap of bids from Africa too, with South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco and Nigeria all declaring an interest. F1 returns after the summer break next week with the Dutch Grand Prix (31 August).

Oscar Piastri honoured with stand at 2026 Australian GP with ticket prices announced
Oscar Piastri honoured with stand at 2026 Australian GP with ticket prices announced

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Oscar Piastri honoured with stand at 2026 Australian GP with ticket prices announced

F1 world championship leader Oscar Piastri has been honoured with a grandstand at his home race in Australia next year. Melbourne -native Piastri currently holds a nine-point lead over McLaren teammate Lando Norris in this year's closely-fought title race, with 10 races left. Albert Park hosts the season-opening race of the 2026 season on 6-8 March and, alongside news of next month's ticket sale, organisers confirmed that the 24-year-old will have a dedicated stand named after him. The 'Piastri Grandstand' will be located on the main straight, opposite the pit-lane, with tickets going on sale on 10 September. The move, intriguingly, follows the sell-out success of Silverstone's 'Landostand' for Norris at the British Grand Prix last month. Prices for the Piastri Grandstand range from £292 (AU$610) for a ticket for qualifying on Saturday and £400 (AU$835) for the race on Sunday to £500 (AU$1,045) for a ticket covering all four days of the event. "It feels very surreal and I never thought this would happen, but the support is incredible and I can't wait to see it all come together next March,' Piastri said on social media. "Seeing all the fans in my own grandstand directly opposite the McLaren garage is going to be an amazing experience and I'm really looking forward to feeling the energy and the atmosphere.' Piastri follows in an esteemed list of Australians to be given the honour of a grandstand at their home race, including Jack Brabham, Alan Jones, Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo. Piastri has won eight F1 races, including six this year, with the sport returning from its summer break next week with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Lewis Hamilton, on the start-finish straight at Silverstone, and Max Verstappen at Zandvoort also have stands named after them.

Warning as popular model becomes one of Britain's most stolen cars
Warning as popular model becomes one of Britain's most stolen cars

Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Warning as popular model becomes one of Britain's most stolen cars

One specific car model has been dubbed the most frequently stolen vehicles in the UK, with thefts increasing by 549% year-on-year in 2024 as over 580 vehicles were stolen There's been a massive spike in thefts of a specific car model, making it one of the most stolen vehicles in Britain. ‌ Owners are being put on alert with thieves increasingly targeting the Toyota Hilux. A staggering 549% year-on-year increase in thefts was recorded in 2024, with over 580 vehicles stolen. The Japanese pick-up is reportedly becoming a prime target for organised crime gangs. ‌ A spokesperson and motoring expert at said: "The Hilux has become a goldmine for criminal gangs. It's valuable, and relatively easy to strip or ship overseas. Unfortunately, owners may not realise just how attractive it is to professional thieves." Meanwhile, drivers are told they can cut car insurance 'instantly' by telling their insurer one thing. ‌ Warnings are increasing about gangs using electronic bypass kits and key cloning tech to silently override a vehicle's security system without smashing a window or forcing a door. Billy Billingham, who has been working with to investigate rising car crime, said: "Today was a shocking wake-up call into how bad car and key cloning has gotten in the UK. The fact that criminals can drive off with your car using a device bought online makes it clear how hard it is to trust the average buyer out there." The spokesperson added: "Start with the basics: never leave your keys near the front door or windows. Key signals can be picked up from outside the house and replicated using cheap online gadgets. That's how relay theft works - the car thinks the key is next to it." Mr Billingham also said to think about where you park, reports Birmingham Live. "If your drive is visible from the road, install a motion sensor light or CCTV." Alternatively, park where there is heavy foot traffic. ‌ "A steering lock may feel outdated, but it still works. Criminals want fast, low-risk jobs. Anything that slows them down or risks drawing attention, like a flashing dash cam or a locked wheel, makes your car less appealing." Billy added: "If you own a keyless car or drive one of these models, don't assume you're safe. Take it seriously. These criminals aren't just stealing cars - they're stealing livelihoods, time, and peace of mind." Drivers have also been urged to park their motors beneath street lights due to the growing concerns over car thefts across the UK. Earlier this month, motorists were alerted to the rising trend of car cannibalism, where thieves take specific parts rather than stealing the whole vehicle. Figures from Admiral Insurance reveal that parking sensor thefts rocketed fourfold between 2023 and 2024, whilst steering wheels have also caught the attention of criminals.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store