Sauber has strengthened its team management

The Sauber team continues to prepare for the 2026 season, which will be Audi’s debut in Formula 1. Today it was announced that Stefan Strantz has been invited to the newly created position of program director.

He will take up his duties on October 1, 2024 and report directly to team principal Andreas Seidl.

Stefan Strantz has been working in Formula 1 for over 20 years. He has worked for Toyota, BAR, Renault, Lotus and for the past 13 years for Mercedes. In his new role, Strantz will be responsible for the operational and organizational development of the team.

Andreas Seidl: “I am delighted to welcome Stefan to the team and am confident that he will bring us incredible experience, having worked with teams that have won races and titles, and that he will be able to strengthen our management structure.

Stefan will play a key role in improving the team’s overall performance and preparing us for full financial regulatory optimisation when we become an Audi works team.

Working closely with myself, the management team and all of our growing technical, operational and financial departments, Stefan’s key mission will be to develop the fully optimised programmes that power the Formula 1 team – from car concept to track performance.

Stefan Strantz: “I am very proud to have the opportunity to build the Audi works team together with the talented people at Sauber Motorsport. I have similar experience with other teams and will use all my knowledge and energy to develop the necessary tools, processes and culture for sustainable long-term success on and off the track.

It is a real privilege to be part of the Audi brand, given their technological and sporting achievements. “I am looking forward to taking on the role of one of the leaders and leading the team towards the ambitious goal of a Formula 1 title.”