It has been a crazy week in Formula 1, as the team principals have decided to play a game of ‘switcheroos’, creating their very own edition of silly season.
Mattia Binotto’s resignation from Ferrari kick-started a chain reaction of movement, with Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur having been announced as the Italian’s replacement.
Vasseur held two roles at Alfa Romeo, as well as being the team’s boss; he was also CEO of the Sauber Group, a role which has been accepted by McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl.
Seidl’s move from McLaren to Sauber has seen the Woking-based side’s executive director of racing Andrea Stella promoted to the team boss role, something Alfa Romeo are yet to decide upon.
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One thing that has been confirmed is that Seidl is taking just the CEO role, not the team principal gig, with the search for that being led by the German himself.
So, who are the team considering for the role? Well, Sauber founder Peter Sauber is remaining tight-lipped for the time being but is certain a “sensible” candidate will be awarded the gig.
“No names,” Sauber said to Swiss newspaper Blick.
“But a sensible solution will be found there, too.”
Seidl has worked for Sauber before whilst the team raced under the BMW Sauber name, meaning it’s not a completely new environment for the German.
Neither will the team’s merge with Audi in 2026, with Seidl having worked for the Volkswagen Group whilst playing a vital role in Porsche’s LMP1 stint in the World Endurance Championship.
With that in mind, Seidl certainly seems like the perfect person to lead the Hinwil-based outfit into their own next era; however, Sauber wants some recognition to be given to the departing Vasseur, who did a “great” job.
“The tasks that await everyone are very demanding,” he added.
“But we shouldn’t forget to thank Vasseur. He took over the team around six years ago in a difficult situation. Now he leaves with sixth in the world championship. That’s great,” Sauber said.
Sauber also thanked McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who allowed Seidl to leave the British side despite being contracted until 2025.
Sauber is “excited” to see the direction that Seidl takes the team, with the German having an impressive “track record”.
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“I was just happy that an earlier agreement could be reached with the very experienced Seidl,” he told Swiss journalist Roger Benoit.
“Luckily, despite the current contract, Brown also doesn’t believe in a months-long work ban.
“Like the fans, I’m now excited to see how Seidl will help the team in Hinwil after our four years together at BMW-Sauber and with his later track record from the Porsche and McLaren days.”