Audi is structuring its Formula 1 involvement to ensure the team in Hinwil retains full independent decision-making authority, according to CEO Gernot Dollner.
While Alpine has faced criticism for its performance issues, partly attributed to Renault's heavy-handed corporate management, Audi is taking a different approach as it prepares for its 2026 debut.
The Volkswagen-owned brand has fully acquired the Sauber team to launch its own works effort but aims to maintain a structure that allows 'Audi F1' to operate with the agility of an independent team.
"We have the supervisory board," Dollner told motorsport-magazin.com. "So if a final decision was necessary, we will take it – I will take it.
"But I don't see any need for that," he insisted. "I see it more that I oversee the perfect connection between the Audi Group and the Formula 1 project."
Dollner acknowledged that other manufacturers, including BMW and Toyota, had made mistakes in the past by being too involved in their F1 programs. "Even car companies that have motorsport in their DNA shouldn't get involved," Dollner emphasized. "Because F1 is just so different from a car company.
"You should just leave it to the experts."
To ensure this hands-off approach, Audi has appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto to lead the project. Binotto will be empowered to make swift decisions without needing corporate approval.
"We are absolutely independent in how we handle the project," said Dollner, "and with the new setup, we have also improved it so that the Formula 1 project is fast and independent of any corporate process."
The executives at Audi AG will limit their involvement to oversight roles, ensuring that "this team, that Mattia's team, can act quickly and independently," Dollner added.
"We are fully aware that it is necessary to keep this project away from the group. Only when it comes to marketing, certain design aspects, and sponsorship, then of course we will have a connection. But otherwise, the decisions will be made in Hinwil. That is our top priority."
