Jonathan Wheatley to Depart Red Bull for Audi Team Principal Role

Jonathan Wheatley, the long-serving sporting director of Red Bull, will leave the Formula One champions at the end of the season and join Audi as team principal next year. Wheatley, who has been instrumental in securing numerous titles for Red Bull, will help Audi transition as they enter the Formula One arena.

Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull's long-serving sporting director, will depart from the Formula One champions at the end of the season to assume the role of team principal for Audi next year, both parties confirmed on Thursday. Audi, changing Swiss-based Sauber into their factory team from 2026, announced that Wheatley would start by July next year at the latest.

Red Bull revealed that Wheatley would observe a 'gardening leave' period after the 2024 season without giving specifics. Wheatley significantly contributed to Red Bull's six world constructors' and seven world drivers' championships during his 18-year tenure.

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner stated, 'Red Bull Racing have tremendous strength and depth and this (departure) provides an opportunity to elevate others within the team.' He added that a new team structure would be announced in the coming weeks. Concurrently, former Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto joined Audi to lead the Formula One project, succeeding Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl.

Audi stated that Binotto, designated chief operating and chief technical officer at Sauber Motorsport, and Wheatley would share responsibilities with distinct roles. Gernot Doellner, CEO of Audi, described this as a 'decisive step' for the team's entry: 'I am convinced that, with the two of them, we have been able to combine an extremely high level of competence for Audi.'

Doellner added that Wheatley's experience and skill would enable a swift adaptation to the competitive Formula One environment. Wheatley will handle racing performance and operational management at all events while representing Audi at the team principal level, whereas Binotto will act as the link between the Hinwil factory and Audi's engine plant in Germany.

Binotto expressed enthusiasm, stating, 'I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert. I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.' Wheatley's departure follows Red Bull's technical head Adrian Newey's announcement in May to leave in the first quarter of 2025.

This change comes amidst Red Bull's ending partnership with Honda next season, with plans to develop their own engine backed by Ford for the new power unit era in 2026. Currently, Red Bull leads both championships after 14 races, with Max Verstappen eyeing his fourth title.