Audi Sport managing director Rolf Michl is set to leave his role before the end of 2026 as part of a planned transfer to China, amid a reshaped motorsport footprint.

Michl has led Audi Sport GmbH since September 1, 2022, overseeing performance cars and motorsport. Months of internal speculation now coalesce into a clear transition plan.

His remit narrows after Audi integrated motorsport into Audi Sport in 2020 and then wound down programs. With Dakar ending in early 2024, Audi drops an official motorsport boss role.

Since the final factory project closed, Michl focuses on performance vehicles, running Audi Sport’s product side. Motorsport duties no longer sit with him day-to-day.

Factory-supported GT3 operations ceased in 2023, including the Audi R8 LMS program. Production of the mid‑engined R8 stopped, the works driver roster dissolved, and only contractual customer support remains.

Audi’s Dakar program won in early 2024 yet still closed soon after, underscoring a decisive withdrawal from factory racing commitments.

Investment pivots to the 2026 Formula 1 entry, run outside Audi Sport. The dedicated Audi Formula Racing GmbH develops the power unit for that Formula 1 project. Mattia Binotto leads the company, reporting directly to CEO Gernot Döllner, while the Hinwil race team operates separately.

Michl’s ascent aligned with former CEO Markus Duesmann and technical chief Oliver Hoffmann. Since Döllner became CEO in September 2023 and Hoffmann departed in early 2024, exit talk intensifies.

Audi Sport still runs performance model development, limited customer racing support, and the 2025-launched Racing Legends program. A replacement motorsport chief is not planned, as the role no longer exists.

The Racing Legends initiative sells significant DTM and Le Mans machinery to private collectors, preserving heritage while keeping Audi’s competitive footprint deliberately narrow.

Product strategy still leaves optionality. The Nuvolari super sports car, built on Lamborghini’s Temerario platform, could underpin a future GT3 return if corporate priorities shift.

Sources indicate Michl’s move to China could happen before late 2026. Leadership appointments and clarity on any GT3 intent will signal Audi’s ambitions as F1 activity remains separate by design.

Visual Summary

Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.