The Audi Formula 1 team has announced that veteran engineer and director Beat Zehnder will leave the operation at the end of 2026.
The 60-year-old Swiss was part of the Sauber organisation – which Audi took over to enter F1 – since even before its grand prix debut in 1993.
He went from being a mechanic there, with its factory-backed Mercedes operation in World Sportscars, to serving as team manager for much of Sauber’s time in F1.
Team founder Peter Sauber stepped away from the team in 2012 and retired in 2016, as Finn Rausing’s Longbow Finance took over the team. Zehnder retained a senior role then, but shortly following Audi’s takeover he transitioned to a factory-based role.
He will now exit the project entirely “following the restructuring of operations ahead of the 2027 season”.
Zehnder, who had worked at 601 consecutive F1 grands prix, “has been a mentor to hundreds of team members and drivers who have passed through Hinwil over the years”, Audi wrote.
“We thank him for 39 years of outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future.”
