Jonathan Wheatley Leaves Red Bull to Become Audi F1 Team Principal

In a significant shakeup within the Formula One landscape, Jonathan Wheatley, the sporting director of Red Bull Racing, has announced his departure after 18 successful years to take on the role of team principal for Audi’s F1 team. This move marks a pivotal moment not only for Wheatley but also for the future of Audi in the competitive world of Formula One.

A Legacy at Red Bull

Wheatley, 57, has been an integral part of Red Bull Racing since 2006, playing a crucial role in the team's numerous championship victories, including six Constructors' Championships and seven Drivers' Championships with legendary drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His expertise in managing the pit wall has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull as a powerhouse in F1, particularly known for its record-breaking pit stop performances.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, expressed gratitude for Wheatley’s contributions, stating, “His contribution to six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships will forever be a marker in our team history.” Wheatley’s departure is part of a broader transformation at Red Bull, which has also seen the exit of chief technical officer Adrian Newey after 19 years.

Transition to Audi

Wheatley’s transition to Audi comes as the German manufacturer prepares to enter Formula One in 2026, taking over the Sauber operation. He will officially start his new role by July 2025 at the latest, following a period of gardening leave in 2025. Audi is making significant strides in its F1 preparations, having recently appointed former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto as its chief operating and technical officer.

In his new position, Wheatley will focus on enhancing the racing performance of Audi’s future F1 factory team, overseeing operational management during race events, and representing Audi at the team principal level in all F1 matters. Wheatley expressed his excitement about this new chapter: "The opportunity to play an active part in Audi’s entry into Formula One as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect.”

What Lies Ahead for Red Bull and Audi

As Red Bull prepares to announce a new team structure in the coming weeks, the organization is poised to leverage its depth and strength to fill the void left by Wheatley. Meanwhile, Audi’s ambitious entry into F1 signals a new era for the sport, hoping to revitalize the Sauber team, which has struggled at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship without scoring points in the first 14 races of the 2024 season.

Wheatley and Binotto's collaboration promises fresh perspectives and strategies as they work together to build a competitive team capable of challenging the established giants of Formula One.

Checkered Flag

Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from Red Bull Racing marks the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for him and Audi in Formula One. As the sport continues to evolve, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this transition affects the dynamics within the teams and the championship landscape.