Long-serving Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is set to leave the team to become the new Audi F1 team principal.
Jonathan Wheatley, the current Red Bull sporting director, is set to join the Audi F1 project as team principal, bringing his extensive experience to help establish the team ahead of its 2026 debut.
The announcement comes as part of a broader restructuring within Audi as it prepares for its official entry in F1 in 2026, following its acquisition of the Swiss-based Sauber team. However, the Brit, who has been with Red Bull for 18 years, will remain in his current role until the end of the 2024 season before entering a period of gardening leave in 2025.
By July 2025 at the latest – Wheatley will complete Audi’s new management team for Formula 1 in the role of Team Principal and management spokesperson.
He will focus above all on the racing performance of the future F1 factory team, on operational management of all race events, and on representing Audi at Team-Principal level in matters relating to Formula 1.
“I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last eighteen years and will leave with many fond memories,” said Wheatley.
“However, 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, and I am looking forward to the challenge.
“Also I am glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and who is the right person to collaborate with in this exciting project.”
Wheatley’s transition to Audi comes shortly after the appointment of Mattia Binotto as Audi’s chief operating and technical officer.
Binotto, who previously served as the Ferrari team boss, brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge, and his collaboration with Wheatley is expected to strengthen Audi’s position in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
The decision in favour of a dual management team is part of the realignment of the control structure of the future factory team in the context of the full takeover of all shares in the Sauber Group by Audi.
“With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into Formula 1,” said Sauber Motorsport AG chairman Gernot Dollner.
“I am convinced that with the two of them, we have been able to combine an extremely high level of competence for Audi.
“Their experience and their ability will help us to get a foothold quickly in the tough competitive world of Formula 1.”
Wheatley’s departure marks a significant transition for both Red Bull and Audi F1. During his tenure at the energy drinks outfit, he played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing to six World Constructors’ Championships and seven World Drivers’ Championships.
His journey in Formula 1 began in the early 1990s with Benetton, where he worked his way up from a junior mechanic to chief mechanic, participating in the team’s championship wins in 2005 and 2006. He later joined Red Bull in 2006, and his influence has been pivotal in shaping the team into a dominant force in the sport.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed gratitude for Wheatley’s contributions, stating, “It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. His contribution to our team will forever be a marker in our history.”
The decision for Wheatley to join Audi has been anticipated, as he has long expressed a desire for a role with greater responsibility. His name had been linked to potential leadership positions within Red Bull, particularly as speculation arose regarding Christian Horner’s future.
However, with the 57-year old now confirmed as Audi F1 team principal, he will have the opportunity to shape the new team from the ground up, a challenge he has openly sought.
As Audi prepares for its entry into the sport, Wheatley will face the immediate task of establishing a competitive environment within the team. This includes assembling a strong driver lineup and ensuring the technical team is equipped to develop a race-winning car.
The Sauber team, which will operate under the Audi banner, has struggled in recent seasons, and Wheatley’s leadership will be crucial in turning around its fortunes.
Wheatley’s appointment also reflects a broader trend within Formula 1, where teams are increasingly looking to bring in experienced leaders to navigate the complexities of the sport. His extensive background in team management and operations positions him well to tackle the challenges that lie ahead for Audi.
