Audi team principal Mattia Binotto has explained the thinking behind the appointment of Allan McNish as the team’s racing director.
The German manufacturer is currently embarking on its first season in F1, having announced its entry several years ago.
The project has undergone multiple leadership changes since its inception, with Binotto appointed to lead the programme in 2024.
To support him in running the team, Binotto has brought in former F1 driver McNish, who went on to hold senior management roles in other Audi racing projects following his driving career.
Explaining the hire, Binotto told media inluding ApexF1: “Allan, first, he’s a great person.
“He has been a great driver, he knows Audi very well, he knows racing, what it’s about, he understands the drivers’ language.
“He knows what it means being at the pit wall, not only because he has been a driver but he has been a team principal in the Formula E team, so he knows the paddock, the journalists.
“He’s well involved with all our partners, so I think it was an easy decision and a great fit. And for me overall, it’s important to have him at the racetrack.”
The Miami Grand Prix earlier this month marked McNish’s first event with the Audi team, and it proved to be a baptism of fire as the squad encountered various issues throughout the weekend.
However, Binotto outlined that McNish has been a natural fit to handle the pressures, given his prior experience with the company.
“Being racing director, I can fully trust him because of his experience,” Binotto said. “Already this morning, he was an easy plug-in in our organisation and that somehow helped me.
“I’m not there at all races and he is the one that will represent the team when being on track and again, he will do very well. I have no doubt.
“He has proven in the past his capabilities and furthermore, I think he’s already enjoying it. I saw him at the pit wall with a smile, even through, as I said, a messy session. So that’s a good start.”
