However, he will not have the title of team principal and will instead help Sauber appoint someone to take on the role.
Fred Vasseur, whose departure for Ferrari was confirmed on Tuesday, has served as both CEO and team principal with the Hinwil team.
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Seidl is an obvious choice to take over the organization which was bought by Audi ahead of the German manufacturer’s entry into F1 in 2026.
He worked as an engineer with the team when it belonged to Sauber, and later managed the LMP1 project for sister company Audi and arch-rival Porsche.
As CEO, he will oversee Sauber’s technology business, as well as the F1 team’s business.
As such, indeed, the job represents a promotion rather than just a lateral move from McLaren.
McLaren have appointed experienced engineer Stella to replace Seidl, while Alfa Romeo and Williams are all on the hunt for team principals, with Jost Capito’s departure announced on Monday.
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren, at the Team Principals Press Conference
Photo by: FIA Pool
“It’s great to join the Sauber Group from January,” said Seidl. “This is a team with a rich history in F1 and an organization that I know very well having worked and lived in Hinwil for four years.
“I look forward to joining the team and working with all Sauber Group colleagues on the ambitious goals we have set together. I would like to thank Finn Rausing and everyone within the Sauber Group for their choice.
“I look forward to thanking their trust with my work.”
Sauber Chairman Rausing said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Andreas Seidl back to Hinwil as CEO of the Sauber Group.
“Andreas’ experience is second to none and he brings to the Sauber Group a clear understanding of what is needed to achieve lasting success.
“He takes over a business on an upward path and he shares our commitment to maintaining the growth of our organization. I look forward to many successful years together.”
Audi released a statement welcoming Seidl’s appointment, calling for a “promising choice” ahead of its tie-up with Sauber in 2026.
“We are delighted with the choice of our future partner”, commented Oliver Hoffmann, CTO of AUDI AG.
“Andreas Seidl has extensive experience in leadership roles in motorsport programs, both on the manufacturer side and with the Formula 1 team. His track record in motorsport is impressive.
McLaren confirmed Stella’s appointment at the same time as it announced Seidl’s departure, promoting him from executive director to the racing role with immediate effect. He will report to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
“I feel privileged to take on the lead team role as the next step in my integration into the McLaren F1 team,” said Stella.
“I am grateful to Zak and the shareholders for their confidence in me, as well as to all my colleagues and those who have supported me throughout my F1 career.
“We are realistic about the amount of work ahead of us to get back on the grid, but I am excited and encouraged to be on this journey with a team full of talent, experience, racing spirit and dedication. .”
Brown paid tribute to outgoing team principal Seidl, saying he had “provided excellent leadership to the team and played an important role in our F1 performance recovery plan and our ongoing journey back at the top of the grid”.
“I thank him for the transparency throughout the process which gave us time to plan accordingly,” Brown said.
