Red Bull's Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley to Join Audi

Red Bull's long-time sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, is set to leave at the end of the year to join Audi as principal. Wheatley will remain with Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season before a gardening leave period in 2025. Audi will enter Formula One with a factory team in 2026.

Red Bull's long-serving sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will leave the Formula One champions at the end of the year to join Audi as principal, Red Bull confirmed on Thursday.

Audi, which has taken over Swiss-based Sauber, will enter Formula One with a factory team starting in 2026. Wheatley will maintain his role with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2024 season as the team targets another championship defense, said team principal Christian Horner.

"A period of gardening leave will follow in 2025," Horner added. Wheatley has been instrumental in securing six world constructors’ titles and seven drivers' championships over his 18-year tenure with Red Bull.

"Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology wish him all the best in his new role and we express our gratitude to Jonathan," Horner commented. "Red Bull Racing possesses significant talent and depth, offering opportunities to promote from within. We will reveal a new team structure in the upcoming weeks."

There has been no immediate response from Sauber or Audi regarding Red Bull's surprising announcement, as Thursday is a holiday in Switzerland. Audi has named former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto to lead their Formula One project, which also commences now, with Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl departing.

Binotto will hold the title of Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber, with ultimate responsibility for the team's sporting achievements. Wheatley's departure aligns with Red Bull's announcement that technical head Adrian Newey will also exit in early 2025. Newey's move comes after addressing accusations involving team principal Christian Horner, who was exonerated of misconduct allegations earlier this year.

Red Bull will also conclude its collaboration with Honda at the end of the next season, transitioning to an engine partnership with Ford when Formula One enters a new power unit era in 2026. Currently, Red Bull leads both the drivers' and constructors' championships, with Max Verstappen on track for his fourth title.