Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joins Audi as F1 team principal
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
Audi has made a significant move in the Formula One world by signing Red Bull's sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, to serve as the team principal for its upcoming F1 project.
Audi is in the midst of taking over the Sauber team, with plans for a full rebrand set to complete by 2026. The German automotive giant is aiming to make a splash in the sport by building a competitive team from the ground up, and securing Wheatley's expertise is seen as a major step forward.
"I am delighted that we have been able to gain Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal for our future Formula 1 team," said Gernot Dollner, CEO of Audi AG, on Thursday. "Jonathan has played a major part in many Formula One race victories and World Championship titles in his F1 career so far, and has extensive experience in the paddock. He is a very valuable addition to our team."
Audi had recently appointed former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto to oversee the project. However, Binotto has handed over the day-to-day operations to Wheatley, giving the new team principal the autonomy to shape Audi's F1 future.
Wheatley has been an integral part of Red Bull since 2006, where he steadily climbed the ranks. His tenure with Red Bull will officially conclude at the end of the 2024 season, after which he will enter a period of gardening leave. Red Bull confirmed this transition, accentuating the close of a significant chapter in the team's history.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner reflected on Wheatley's departure: "It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. 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."
The move marks a pivotal moment not just for Audi, but for the entire Formula One landscape as the competition intensifies ahead of the 2026 season.
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