This may be the off season for Formula One but there has been so much happening with the Team principals in Formula One. These are the key personnel besides the drivers that can make or break a team.
Mattia Binotto was fired or replaced after heading up the Italian racing team since January 2019.
This was on the cards last season with so many blunders and poor choices that made no racing sense. How many times over the last few seasons we have seen decisions made that cost the team points and ultimately lost prize money. The Ferrari bosses had lost faith in Binotto's ability as the team has seriously struggled with not only technical issues, but racing strategies.
He has been replaced with their (reportedly) second choice Frederic Vasseur who last season was in charge at Sauber Alfa Romeo. He was team principal with Renault in 2016 before moving to Sauber where last season they finished 6th being their highest position thus far. With Vasseur leaving it made room for others to switch teams.
Audi is joining Formula One from 2026 not only as an engine supplier but as a partner alongside Sauber. Sauber make the chassis and the rest will be up to Audi with all the components that they will be manufacturing. Audi is the VW Group which also includes Porsche as part of their stable.
Andreas Seidl formerly of McLaren is moving into the hot seat having turned down Ferrari as he was their first choice. Andreas is well known to the VW group having worked with the Porsche team back in 2006-2010. Andreas is German firstly which is important as he knows the German culture required to fit into the set up. Andreas has 3 years to get Sauber ready for the merge which is a massive task.
The team were aware of Andreas moving to Sauber as he kept them in the loop so this was no shock exit and the team could prepare. This is not always the case and just goes to show what type of character Andreas is. Another Andreas in Andreas Stella has been waiting in the wings being groomed by his predecessor to take over. This is a mammoth task as the team has been struggling over the last few years. The car is not where it should be as they have had technical difficulties for the last 2 seasons. With Seidl now heading up what will be Audi in 2025 expect McLaren to have an Audi engine as I expect that to be part of the deal made before he left. This would have been a good negotiation leverage for McLaren plus their relationship with the new Audi Team boss sets them up for the future.
Jost Capito has stepped down after only 2 years in charge leaving question marks as to who is going to fill his boots. Williams have a quality set up even though their results don't show their true potential. They have a top of the range facility which may lead to an internal promotion which would be good news for those working there. Would Ross Brawn return or has he really retired as his last role was Technical Director for the FIA. There are a couple of candidates floating around with the knowledge and experience to head up this team and don't be surprised if it is an American either. Williams as a team have an American driver in Logan Sargent next season as they want to tap into the American market. This is the area where Formula one could see massive growth and Williams is after the American pie (sponsors).
People joked about Sebastien Vettel being involved somewhere butt this is just too soon having retired last season. I suspect Sebastien to become chief of the FIA within the next 10 years and who knows maybe even a race director. This role would fill the troublesome position the FIA has had for the last 18 months so he will not be far from the track. This is where I see Sebastien within the next 2 seasons as he has too much to offer. He was not happy with what he witnessed at Abu Dhabi 2 years ago and he will get involved.
Formula One is like one big family even though the sport is highly competitive. This can be seen with the relationships at certain charity events held throughout the year and why I do believe Vettel is heading for a bigger role in the sport. Vettel was the drivers spoke person for many years and then took over the charity from Nikki Lauda when he passed away a few years back. Vettel is the one driver who has the respect of every driver and official plus he is so well connected.
So much has happened with the moving of Team principals in the last 72 hours there may be one or two more still to come. Horner and Wolff will still be there so expect no change in the top 2 teams for next season.
