Audi announces major restructure as stalwart prepares to exit
· Yahoo Sports
An era spanning nearly four decades is drawing to a close in Hinwil, as the AudiF1 Team has confirmed that paddock stalwart Beat Zehnder will step down from his role at the end of December 2026.
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The departure comes as part of an operational restructuring ahead of the 2027 campaign, marking the end of a remarkable 39-year journey that began long before the Swiss outfit’s factory partnership with the German automotive giant.
Zehnder originally arrived at Sauber Motorsport in 1988, contributing to the squad’s golden era in endurance racing. During that period, the team captured victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside back-to-back World Sportscar Championships in 1989 and 1990.
When founder Peter Sauber took the historic step into Formula 1 in 1993, Zehnder was an integral part of the transition. He took over the pivotal role of Team Manager in 1994, becoming a fixture on the pit wall and guiding generations of personnel and star drivers through the demanding environment of Grand Prix racing.
His responsibilities broadened further when he joined the team’s Management Committee in 2018, before transitioning into his most recent position heading Heritage activities as Director of Signature Programs & Operations. Across his storied career, Zehnder achieved an astonishing record of 36 World Sportscar Championship events and 601 consecutive Formula 1 races.
In an official statement released on Friday, the team expressed profound gratitude for his lifetime of service, noting his lasting influence across the organisation.
"Audi Revolut F1 Team places on record its sincere thanks to Beat Zehnder, who will leave the team at the end of December 2026 following the restructuring of its operations ahead of the 2027 season," the team stated. "Beat has been a mentor to hundreds of team members and drivers who have passed through Hinwil over the years."
"During his tenure he enjoyed both the highs and lows of working in such a demanding sport, never losing his professionalism, his relentless competitive streak and desire to win. He steps away with 36 World Sportscar Championship races and 601 consecutive Formula One races to his name. We thank him for 39 years of outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future."
Zehnder’s exit represents one of the final remaining links to Sauber’s independent origins as Audi continues molding the Hinwil operation for its long-term works future.