Audi’s Formula 1 venture is experiencing a significant management shift, with chief executive Adam Baker leaving the project by mutual agreement. Christian Foyer, a seasoned expert in F1 powertrain development, will be taking over Baker’s responsibilities on the engine side.
Foyer has been appointed to the management board of Audi Formula Racing, the division responsible for the hybrid powertrain, assuming the newly created role of chief operating officer. As a result of this restructuring, Baker’s position has been eliminated.
The overall Audi F1 project is headed by former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto, while Jonathan Wheatley, who recently joined Swiss-based Sauber from Red Bull in April, will lead the race operations as team principal. Sauber, currently last in the constructors’ standings after six races, is set to become the Audi factory team in the upcoming season, coinciding with the start of a new engine era in the sport.
Gernot Doellner, chairman of the Volkswagen-owned brand, expressed gratitude for Baker’s contributions, stating, “We would like to thank Adam Baker for his commitment over the past years. He played a decisive role in shaping the overall strategic concept for the entry of Audi into Formula 1 and got the development of the power unit in Neuburg off the ground.”
Doellner also highlighted the importance of Foyer’s appointment, saying, “With Christian Foyer, we are now bringing a proven expert in process structures in F1 powertrain development into the project. His experience will help ensure the synergistic cooperation and necessary speed on the journey we have embarked upon regarding the debut.”
Baker, who previously worked with the former BMW Sauber team, is departing from a project that ultimately led to BMW’s exit from the sport in 2009.
