In a strategic move that marks a significant shift in Formula 1’s competitive landscape, Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s Sporting Director, will take on the role of Team Principal at the Audi F1 Team. Wheatley’s departure from Red Bull, where he has been an instrumental figure for nearly two decades, signals a new chapter both for him and the fledgling Audi team.
A Legacy of Success at Red Bull
Jonathan Wheatley’s tenure at Red Bull has been nothing short of remarkable. Over 18 years, he has played a pivotal role in the team’s dominance, contributing to 13 World Championship titles. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team boss, highlighted Wheatley’s impact, saying, “His contribution to six World Constructors’ Titles and seven World Drivers’ Championships will forever be a marker in our Team history.”
Wheatley’s strategic acumen and leadership were integral to Red Bull’s success, particularly in his roles as Team Manager and Sporting Director. His departure comes at a time when Red Bull is experiencing another transitional phase, with design legend Adrian Newey also set to leave after nearly 20 years.
Transition to Audi: A New Challenge
Wheatley will remain with Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season before taking a period of gardening leave in 2025. Audi, which is preparing for its entry into Formula 1, confirmed Wheatley’s appointment alongside the announcement of Mattia Binotto as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer.
Gernot Dollner, CEO of AUDI AG, expressed his enthusiasm for Wheatley’s new role, stating, “Jonathan has played a major part in many Formula 1 race victories and World Championship titles. He is a very valuable addition to our team.” Wheatley is set to bring his wealth of experience and strategic insight to Audi as they aim to establish themselves in the highly competitive Formula 1 arena.
Collaboration with Mattia Binotto
The synergy between Wheatley and Binotto is expected to be a cornerstone of Audi’s strategy in F1. Wheatley expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “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. I am glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years.”
Binotto, who recently joined Audi from Ferrari, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Wheatley’s extensive experience as a valuable asset. “2026 is not a long time away now, and I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success,” Binotto stated.
Audi’s Strategic Vision
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is a major strategic move for the German automaker, which aims to establish a strong foothold in the sport by 2026. With Wheatley and Binotto at the helm, Audi is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of Formula 1’s competitive environment.
Gernot Dollner emphasised the significance of these appointments, saying, “With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia, we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into Formula 1. Their experience and their ability will help us to get a foothold quickly in the tough competitive world of Formula 1.”
Red Bull’s Future Without Wheatley
While Wheatley’s departure marks the end of an era for Red Bull, it also presents an opportunity for the team to evolve. Red Bull has stated that it will announce a new team structure in the coming weeks, reflecting the organisation’s depth and readiness to adapt.
As Red Bull prepares for life after Wheatley, the team will look to leverage its existing talent and continue its pursuit of excellence in Formula 1. Wheatley leaves behind a legacy of success, and his new role at Audi represents an exciting opportunity to shape the future of motorsport.
Jonathan Wheatley’s move to Audi F1 Team as Team Principal signifies a major development in Formula 1. His leadership, coupled with Audi’s ambitious vision, sets the stage for an intriguing new chapter in the sport, as both Red Bull and Audi navigate the evolving dynamics of Formula 1 competition.