Audi expands its team with the arrival of its new communications director
The Audi team, which will replace Stake F1 in 2026, is expanding its staff. After announcing new team members a few weeks ago, Florian Büngener has now joined the Audi F1 project. While he will take up his post on September 1, 2024, he will remain with Sauber until the German team's arrival in F1.
Audi, whose arrival is scheduled for 2026, has already found its communications director. As of September 1, 2024, Florian Büngener will take over the communications department for Sauber before joining Audi during the transition. He will remain at the team headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland. As announced by Sauber Motorsport in the press release on August 26, Florian Büngener will be responsible for all communication activities related to the sporting operations of Sauber and Audi, including the development of Audi’s powertrain at the Neuburg center.
Florian Büngener will bring with him a great deal of experience as sought by Audi, who wants to align themselves with the best in all areas. This time, it is the Head of Public Relations and Communication of Hyundai Motors Europe who is joining the adventure. He, who was designated as the Rising Star of the automotive industry in Europe in 2022, will now evolve in the department to complement the ranks at Audi.
The technical and operational director of Audi, Mattia Binotto, believes that the new manager will play a key role in promoting the team in Formula 1. « Florian’s arrival allows us to put another important piece of the puzzle in place as Sauber continues to evolve into the Audi factory team, which will debut in 2026,” he said. « His approach, experience, and determination will be essential not only to communicate our activities but above all to tell our story and values to an increasingly wider audience in Formula 1. ».
During his eight years at Hyundai, Florian Büngener contributed to the brand’s public relations efforts. With a new role in a new discipline, the new team member is excited to join the Audi adventure. “The Audi F1 project is one of the most exciting developments in motorsport, even in the entire sports industry at this stage,” he expressed. “The team has already begun to embrace a progressive and customer-centric communication approach, beyond the racetrack, and I am focused on accelerating this process before Audi’s official entry as a factory team.”
As the staff grows day by day, the future team is getting closer to its arrival in Formula 1. It is with a team full of talents that the team begins its adventure in the sport. With Florian Büngener now on board, the ranks are filling up at Audi, who is still looking for its second driver.
