Audi is set to announce a significant management restructure ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in early May, including the creation of a new racing director position to support team operations. The German manufacturer is expected to confirm the changes as early as this week, with three-time Le Mans winner Allan McNish poised to take on the newly created role.
The move comes after team principal Jonathan Wheatley’s abrupt departure in late March for personal reasons, leaving Mattia Binotto — head of Audi’s F1 project — to shoulder both his existing responsibilities and those of team principal. During the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Binotto indicated he would require additional support, particularly during race weekends, prompting the creation of the racing director position.
McNish Tapped for Leadership Role
Audi initially explored the external market to fill the position, with sporting director Iñaki Rueda among those considered. Rueda, who previously worked with Binotto at Ferrari as head of strategy and sporting matters, appeared a natural fit given their professional history.
However, the team has ultimately decided to promote from within. McNish, a 56-year-old Scot who previously served as team principal of Audi’s Formula E team, currently heads the manufacturer’s driver development programme. His appointment represents a choice for continuity and institutional knowledge — McNish has an established relationship with Audi’s leadership and a proven track record with the brand.
When asked for comment, an Audi spokesperson stated:
We don’t comment on speculation.
McNish’s new role will encompass managing the team’s racing operations, coordinating race weekends, and serving as a prominent face in media activities — responsibilities that will allow Binotto to focus on broader strategic and technical direction.
Turbulent Leadership History
The appointment marks the latest chapter in a series of leadership changes since Audi announced its Formula 1 entry at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix. After acquiring Sauber, the project was initially led by Andreas Seidl, recruited from McLaren, working alongside Oliver Hoffmann. Both departed under difficult circumstances in summer 2024.
Binotto arrived first as CEO, followed by Wheatley’s appointment as team principal. Wheatley’s tenure lasted less than a year before his unexpected exit in late March.
The repeated leadership shifts fueled significant scepticism about Audi’s debut season, despite a driver lineup featuring experienced campaigner Nico Hülkenberg alongside reigning F2 and F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
On-Track Performance Exceeds Expectations
The first three races of 2026 have silenced many doubters, with Audi demonstrating competitive pace even if results have not always reflected the team’s potential. The squad currently sits eighth in the constructors’ championship with two points — a modest tally that belies stronger underlying performance.
The management restructure aims to provide stability as Audi navigates its maiden F1 campaign under the sport’s new technical regulations, which feature a major chassis overhaul, redesigned power units running approximately 50 percent electric, and active aerodynamics.
The official announcement is expected before or during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, which begins in early May, giving the team a settled leadership structure as it pushes to convert competitive showings into championship points.