Seidl joins Sauber Group as new CEO as Stella named McLaren F1 boss

However, he will not have the team principal title, and will instead help Sauber to appoint someone to take up the role.

McLaren has named Andrea Stella as its new team principal to replace Seidl.

Fred Vasseur, whose departure to Ferrari was confirmed on Tuesday, held both the CEO and team principal jobs at the Hinwil outfit.

Seidl is an obvious choice to take over the organisation that has been bought by Audi ahead of the German manufacturer’s F1 entry in 2026.

He worked as an engineer with the team when it was owned by Sauber, and later ran the LMP1 project of Audi’s sister company and arch-rival Porsche.

As CEO he will oversee Sauber’s technology business, as well as the F1 team’s activities.

As such, in effect, the job represents a promotion rather than just a sideways move from McLaren.

Alfa Romeo and Williams are all now looking for team principals, with Jost Capito’s departure from the last-named announced on Monday.

“It is great to join the Sauber Group from January,” said Seidl. “This is a team with a rich history in F1 and an organisation I know really well from my time working and living in Hinwil for four years.

“I can’t wait to join the team and work with all the colleagues at the Sauber Group on the ambitious goals we have set together. I want to thank Finn Rausing and everyone at the Sauber Group for their choice.

“I am looking forward to repaying their trust with my work.”

Sauber chairman Rausing said: “It is an immense pleasure to welcome Andreas Seidl back to Hinwil as CEO of the Sauber Group.

“Andreas’s experience is second to none and he brings to Sauber Group a clear understanding of what is required to achieve sustained success.

“He takes over a company on an upward path and he shares our commitment to keeping our organisation growing. I look forward to many years of success together.”