New boss in Audi-effects on the Formula 1 program?

New boss in Audi-effects on the Formula 1 program?

Audi: New boss and Formula 1 entry.

The automobile manufacturer Audi has a new boss. Markus Duesmann, previous CEO, will be replaced by Gernot Döllner from September 1st. This was decided on Thursday by the Audi supervisory board. Duesmann was considered the great supporter of Audi's planned Formula 1 program. Before his commitment to Volkswagen, he was already a development manager for Formula 1 engines at Mercedes and BMW. Despite his departure, he will continue to pursue Audi's entry into Formula 1, albeit from the sidelines.

his successor Döllner is a mechanical engineer and started his career at Volkswagen as a doctoral student in 1993. After that, he had various management positions at Porsche, including as head of product and concept development and as the person responsible for the Panamera series. He has headed the product and group strategy as well as the General Secretariat in the Volkswagen Group since 2021.

The farewell to Duesmann is not surprising, as there have been reports of power struggles behind the scenes for some time. According to reports, there were disagreements with several other board members, right down to a possible "coup attempt" that Duesmann is said to have survived for the time being.

In order to appease the emerging speculation, Duesmann came together with Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume and his successor Döllner in front of the corporate heads to stage a peaceful handover, as reported by the 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung'.

It is still unclear whether the change at the top of Audi will have an impact on the Formula 1 program. However, it is unlikely to be canceled. The decision to enter the premier class of motorsport was approved by all necessary corporate bodies and is probably not bound to the person Duesmann.

Audi announced in August 2022 to enter Formula 1 for the 2026 season. The Swiss clean team was selected as a partner team for this entry and an agreement was made to gradually assume the shares. Audi is already checking 25 percent of the clean shares.