At the beginning of January, Andreas Seidl took over as CEO of the Sauber Group. In an interview with the team’s press service, the German specialist listed the first results of his work in a new position and outlined the tasks for the upcoming season.
Question: You have been CEO of the Sauber Group for six weeks now. What is your first impression?
Andreas Seidl: I already had experience in Hinwil, so it was natural for me to come back. I met many familiar faces, met new employees – I received a warm welcome. I saw a highly motivated and ambitious team with talented employees. We have a solid foundation and are ready for challenges and opportunities.
Question: What are you focusing on right now?
Andreas Seidl: Now I take the time to get to know as many people as possible, build relationships and understand how the team works. In all conversations I try to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, and that makes us inferior to those teams that are now leading the way.
Q: You presented a new management structure of the Formula 1 team. What was the purpose of these changes?
Andreas Seidl: The structure created allows us to make the most of our employees’ strengths, and for me to focus on the strategic future of the Sauber Group and the team. A strong group of managers working on the track and on the grassroots must divide the current tasks effectively between different people with clear responsibilities.
The most notable change from last year is the expansion of Alessandro Alunni Bravi’s responsibilities. As before, he will continue to be responsible for the team’s commercial and legal activities as general manager, in addition to becoming a public figure in the role of spokesperson for the team.
Question: To what extent are you involved in the team’s work on the track?
Andreas Seidl: Formula 1 is the main activity of the Sauber Group, so of course I will participate in the work on the track, because I want to share my experience. However, I strive to ensure that my leadership team takes care of the daily agenda. These are experienced professionals that I trust – I will empower them and provide them with everything they need.
I’m coming for a few races, but the foundations of success in Formula 1 are laid at the base and that’s the job I’m going to focus on first.
Q: What are the goals for the team this year?
Andreas Seidl: In 2022, under the new regulations, we saw that the team was able to create a competitive car and progress. The main task for the coming months is to continue working in this direction.
I want to see progress in all areas – at the base and on the track. I have seen how the team has prepared for the new season under the leadership of Technical Director Jean Monchot and COO Axel Kruse and I am optimistic about our chances of achieving our goals.
Q: How do you see the future of the Sauber Group?
Andreas Seidl: The Sauber Group is growing in every area and we want to stay on that path in the short, medium and long term. The team has proven its capabilities through sporting success, both on and off the track.
Hinwil has a clear vision for the future – we want to keep moving forward and eventually become a team that can fight for podiums and race wins. We want to become a team where people want to work – employees, riders, sponsors. We want to become a team that will have fans. Together with the team, I draw up a plan that will help you achieve your goals in the future.
Q: In 2026, the Sauber Group will become a strategic partner of Audi. How important is this collaboration for the team?
Andreas Seidl: This is very important as it guarantees stability and a clear direction of movement. We know we have a great future ahead of us, but at the same time we are focused on getting results in the upcoming season with Alfa Romeo and on continuing the partnership with Ferrari in the next three years.
Q: You are working with Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou for the first time. What are their strengths?
Andreas Seidl: Most importantly, they are both fast! This is the most important quality of a rider. Plus, they’re great people and I’ve had some interesting conversations with them already.
Valtteri’s experience and the knowledge it takes to win races is a valuable asset for us, which, combined with his determination and commitment, will help the team develop further. Plus he’s a nice guy.
Zhou complements Valtteri perfectly. I like the combination of experience and youth in our pilot pair. Zhou proved last year that he deserves a place in Formula 1 and has steadily improved. Formula 1 is a big step forward for any driver who has raced in the junior series before, but Guanyu has already settled in. I look forward to the next steps he will take in his second season in Formula 1 with us.
Question: What are your plans for the youth academy?
Andreas Seidl: The Academy is an important tool for developing young talent. Sauber has a rich history of training young talent and giving them opportunities. Just think of names like Schumacher, Raikkonen, Vettel, Kubica, Leclerc, to name just a few of our drivers. The Academy is an investment in the future of the team and the sport.
In 2023 we will support four: Theo Purscher in Formula 2, Lena Buehler in the F1 Academy, Markus Amand in the European Formula Regional and Thame Saleh in karting.
In addition, Theo is our third and reserve driver in Formula 1, so next to the season in Formula 2 he will have a busy schedule. He has a lot of work to do on the simulator and later this year he will be able to spend some track time behind the wheel of the C43.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
