Juan Pablo Montoya publicly urged Audi to hire “somebody like Christian,” praising Christian Horner’s record and warning that “people may underestimate what Horner achieved.” Sources credit Horner with eight drivers’ championships at Red Bull, and reports vary on his number of constructors’ titles (some outlets say six, others seven). Horner was sacked in July 2025 and replaced by Laurent Mekies after the British Grand Prix. He has publicly sought a comeback to F1 and is reportedly evaluating options, including buying the 24% Alpine stake controlled by Otro Capital. He has said he would only consider a role with full control and shareholding and is reluctant to relocate.

Jonathan Wheatley stepped down between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix after roughly a year overseeing the former Sauber/Audi operation and is reportedly set to join Aston Martin. His departure left Audi with an immediate leadership vacuum. Mattia Binotto, Audi’s project head, has taken interim team principal duties and said he will keep the role for now but needs extra support at race weekends while he focuses on a factory transformation program. Montoya argued Audi will still need a senior, hands-on leader to support Binotto.

Sources describe several possible routes for Horner’s return, including buying the Otro Capital stake, a target also said to interest Mercedes, and say Horner insists on full control and shareholding as part of any leadership role. He faced controversies in 2024–25 that he denied and was twice cleared of. Audi has presented leadership clarity and organizational alignment as immediate priorities as it aims to compete for world championships by 2030. The team has also flagged early-season power-unit issues and recorded a points finish on its Australia debut.

Sources