In a move that sent ripples through the Formula 1 paddock, Sauber has announced the appointment of former Ferrari Head of Strategy Inaki Rueda as their new Sporting Director. The Spaniard, who was a key figure in the Scuderia’s strategy team for over a decade, will take the reins from the long-serving Beat Zehnder as the Swiss team gears up for their transition into the Audi factory outfit in 2026.
A Reunion of Ferrari Alumni
Rueda’s move to Sauber sees him reunite with his former Ferrari boss, Mattia Binotto, who joined the Hinwil-based squad earlier this year as Chief Operating and Technical Officer. The pair worked closely together during their tenure at Maranello, with Rueda often credited as the mastermind behind some of Ferrari’s most strategic race wins.
Inaki’s appointment is a real coup for us. His strategic nous and experience will be invaluable as we build towards our future as Audi’s factory team.
– Mattia Binotto, Sauber Chief Operating and Technical Officer
A New Era for Sauber
Rueda’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sauber, who have been a midfield stalwart in F1 for the better part of three decades. With Audi’s backing and the combined expertise of Binotto and Rueda, the team will be looking to establish themselves as a genuine force in the sport’s new era.
According to a source close to the team, Rueda’s role will see him oversee all sporting activities, managing the relationship with the FIA, and handling all regulatory matters trackside. It’s a broad remit, but one that the Spaniard is more than qualified to take on, given his wealth of experience in the F1 strategy room.
A Strengthened Technical Team
In addition to Rueda’s appointment, Sauber also announced the return of former Head of Track Engineering Giampaolo Dall’Ara, who had left the team to run his own consultancy. Dall’Ara will slot back into his old role, adding further depth to an already impressive technical lineup.
Giampaolo’s return is a real bonus for us. His understanding of the team and our way of working is second to none, and he’ll be able to hit the ground running.
– Beat Zehnder, outgoing Sauber Sporting Director
The Zehnder Legacy
Rueda’s appointment sees long-time Sporting Director Beat Zehnder move to a new role on the heritage side of the company. Zehnder, who has been with Sauber since the 1980s, is a true team stalwart and has played a pivotal role in guiding the squad through some of its most challenging periods.
While his day-to-day involvement with the F1 operation may be reduced, Zehnder’s experience and knowledge will undoubtedly continue to be a valuable asset for Sauber as they navigate this period of transition.
The Road Ahead
With Rueda and Dall’Ara on board, and Binotto at the helm, Sauber’s technical team is shaping up to be one of the strongest on the grid. But the real test will come in 2026, when the team morphs into Audi’s factory outfit and takes on the might of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
For now, though, the focus will be on laying the groundwork for that future success. And with the strategic brilliance of Inaki Rueda in their corner, Sauber will be hoping to make some serious strides forward in the coming years.
As the pieces continue to fall into place at Hinwil, the F1 world watches with bated breath. Can this new-look Sauber team, with its Ferrari-flavored leadership, unlock the potential that has always bubbled under the surface? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – with Inaki Rueda on board, they’ve got a strategic ace up their sleeve.
