In a surprising turn of events, Jonathan Wheatley will be leaving Red Bull at the end of 2024 to take on the role of team principal for Audi’s Formula 1 team.
Jonathan Wheatley, who has been an integral part of Red Bull since 2006, will step into his new role at Audi as the German brand gears up for its debut season in Formula 1 in 2026. Wheatley will first complete a period of gardening leave after his departure from Red Bull.
Wheatley’s journey with Red Bull has been long and successful. He started as team manager and then became the sporting director, contributing significantly to Red Bull’s six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, acknowledged, ‘It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years.’
The move to Audi comes after earlier reports that Wheatley had ambitions to become an F1 team principal. When Christian Horner faced a misconduct scandal, Wheatley was considered as a potential successor. He was actively looking for opportunities to lead a team, which led him to Audi.
Audi is currently undergoing a management overhaul. CEO Andreas Seidl and chief representative Oliver Hoffmann were relieved of their duties, while ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took over as chief operating officer and chief technical officer. Binotto’s early tasks include finalizing the identity of the team’s second driver alongside Nico Hulkenberg.
Carlos Sainz was Audi’s preferred choice for a driver, but he signed with Williams instead, rejecting offers from Audi and Alpine. Wheatley will report to Binotto once he assumes his role at the Hinwil team. However, the future of the current team representative, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, remains uncertain.
Jonathan Wheatley’s shift from Red Bull to Audi marks a significant change in the F1 landscape as Audi prepares for its maiden season. With his extensive experience and successes at Red Bull, Wheatley is poised to make a lasting impact at Audi.
