In a major shakeup for Formula 1, Red Bull Racing’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is set to leave the team and join the Audi F1 project. The Jonathan Wheatley Audi F1 move will see him transition to the German manufacturer by July 2025 at the latest, taking on the role of team principal when Audi officially takes over Sauber in 2026.
Wheatley, crucial to Red Bull’s success since 2006, contributed to the team’s impressive tally of six constructors’ and seven drivers’ championships. Known for overseeing Red Bull’s record-breaking pit stop crew.
Wheatley expressed enthusiasm about his new role in the Jonathan Wheatley Audi F1 partnership, stating, “The opportunity to play an active part in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect.“
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged Wheatley’s significant contributions, saying, “His contribution to six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships, first as team manager and latterly sporting director will forever be a marker in our team history.“
This move follows Adrian Newey’s departure from Red Bull’s F1 team earlier this year. Red Bull has announced plans to reveal a new team structure in the coming weeks, emphasizing their “tremendous strength and depth” that will allow for internal promotions.
At Audi, the Jonathan Wheatley Audi F1 collaboration will see him join forces with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who has been appointed as Audi’s chief operating and chief technical officer. This high-profile duo is expected to spearhead Audi’s entry into Formula 1, with Wheatley focusing on racing performance and operational management. While Binotto concentrates on technical development.
Audi CEO Gernot Doellner expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating, “With Jonathan and Mattia, we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into Formula 1. Their experience and ability will help us to get a foothold quickly in the tough competitive world of Formula 1.“
As Sauber prepares to transform into Audi in 2026, these strategic moves signal the German manufacturer’s serious intent to make a strong impact at the pinnacle of motorsport.
