There will be a new beginning for Inaki Rueda, a new adventure that marks his return to Formula 1: the former Ferrari strategy manager, after leaving Maranello in a period that was anything but easy, is ready for a new challenge in Audi. Here he will reunite with Mattia binotto, former team principal of the Rossa, with whom he had shared years of successes and turbulence at Ferrari. Rueda will take on the role of sporting director at Sauber, joining Binotto in a crucial role in building a competitive structure, aimed at the German team's official debut in Formula 1 in 2026.
This return represents not only a second chance for Rueda, but also a key step in Binotto's strategy to bring Audi to the top of motorsport, strengthening the team with highly experienced and competent figures.
A new era for Sauber in view of the arrival of Audi
Mattia Binotto, now at the helm of the F1 project for the German giant, has started a deep restructuring of the Sauber team, aimed at building the foundations for an ambitious and long-term project. A process similar to the one Vasseur had to face, who inherited the many problems related to previous managements. Sauber is the only team to still have 0 points in the standings. A truly disastrous season that has also raised doubts about the future of the team, given that in 2026 it will transform into Audi.
The addition of Inaki Rueda represents an important step in this transformation of Audi. The Spanish engineer will be responsible for the team's sporting activities, from managing the team during race weekends to relations with the FIA. It is a role of extreme importance, aimed at ensuring that every strategic decision is aligned with the long-term objectives of the future Audi in F1.
With Audi set to join in 2026, the aim is to build a solid foundation to compete at the highest level from the official debut. Rueda's appointment, along with that of other experienced figures, signals Binotto's intention to create a structure capable of facing the challenges of an ever-changing technical and regulatory landscape.
A controversial farewell with Ferrari
Rueda arrives at Audi after a long experience at Ferrari, but also after a separation marked by difficult moments. The period spent in Maranello was characterised by fluctuating results and some strategic decisions that were not always convincing. The arrival of Frederic Vasseur as the new team principal at Ferrari led to an internal reorganisation, and Rueda was one of the first to leave the team. With Audi, the Spanish engineer now has the opportunity to build a career path away from the pressures of Maranello, in an environment that aims to grow gradually to become competitive.
Dall'Ara: a technical return to optimize performance
In addition to Rueda, another familiar face will join the Audi-Sauber team: Giampaolo Dall’Ara. The Italian engineer, with a distinguished past at Sauber, will take on the role of Head of Engineering, overseeing operations both on the track and in the Hinwil facilities. Dall’Ara will be responsible for optimising the performance of the single-seater, ensuring a joint operational approach to all matters relating to the car. His background, which ranges from DTM with Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 with Sauber, represents an important asset for the team as it aims to compete with the top teams.
With these new additions, the team is preparing to take an important step towards entering Formula 1 as an official Audi constructor. The German company is investing in a strengthened organizational chart and highly experienced figures to be able to face future challenges with a prepared and ambitious team. 2026 is marked in red on the calendar, but the work of Binotto and his team shows that the growth process is already in full swing.
Source: Motorsport.com
