The Audi F1 Team has announced another important signing ahead of its entry into Formula 1 at F1 2026. Mattia Binotto described the new addition as “another important piece of the puzzle”.

Audi, which will take over the existing Sauber team in time for the major rule changes in Formula 1 in 2026, is currently intensifying plans for its long-awaited entry.

Audi F1 signs new key position as preparations for 2026 Formula 1 gain momentum

Last month, the team appointed former Ferrari team boss Binotto as Chief Technical and Operating Officer following the sacking of Andreas Seidl and CEO Oliver Hoffmann.

Binotto’s appointment was quickly followed by the appointment of Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s long-time sporting director, as team principal of Audi F1.

Wheatley is expected to start working with the team in Hinwil no later than July next year.

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Audi F1 has now further strengthened its position and appointed Florian Büngener as Chief Communication Officer.

Büngener, who will start working at Audi on September 1, joins after a successful career in motorsport and the automotive industry, having previously worked for companies such as ABT Sportline, Fiat & Abarth and the European branch of Hyundai.

Binotto said: “Bringing Florian on board helps us put another important piece of the puzzle in place as Sauber continues to grow into the Audi works team that will debut in 2026.

“His approach, experience and drive will be fundamental as we communicate not only our activities but, above all, our story and our values ​​to Formula 1’s growing audience.

“Florian will join our team to lead our growing communications department and take it to new heights.”

Büngener added: “The Audi F1 project is one of the most exciting developments in motorsport, if not the entire sporting industry, and I am delighted and committed to supporting it at this crucial moment ahead of 2026.

“The team has already embarked on a path towards progressive and customer-focused communication beyond the racetrack and I am focused on accelerating this process ahead of the debut of Audi’s factory entry.”

Büngener’s arrival comes after a disappointing Dutch Grand Prix for Sauber at Zandvoort, where Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu were each lapped twice to finish 19th and 20th respectively.

Audi announced the signing of its first driver in April: Nico Hülkenberg will join F1 in 2025 on a multi-year contract from Haas.

The identity of Hülkenberg’s teammate has yet to be confirmed, forcing Audi to look for alternatives after ruling out Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon, who will join Williams and Haas respectively from next season.

Read more: What influence could the new Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto have on the 2025 F1 driver market?