In a surprising shake-up, Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto are teaming up to spearhead Audi’s Formula 1 team.
Wheatley, who is set to leave his role as Red Bull’s sporting director by the end of 2024, will join the Sauber/Audi team in July 2025. Until then, he will be on gardening leave. His move follows an announcement from Red Bull confirming his departure. Audi, which will rebrand the Sauber squad in 2026, later released a statement affirming Wheatley’s appointment.
Wheatley and Binotto will take on a âdual managementâ structure for Audi’s F1 team. Audi revealed its plan for the new management duo following the departure of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann due to an internal power struggle. The company clarified that there will be a clear division of duties between Wheatley and Binotto, with each handling specific responsibilities.
Binotto will serve as team COO and CTO, overseeing the Hinwil factory and technical department, including the design and build of new Audi cars, as well as the engine plant in Neuburg. Wheatley, on the other hand, will manage the F1 team at events and act as the media spokesperson. Audi emphasized that this dual management approach aligns with their strategy to control the future factory team, coinciding with their full takeover of the Sauber Group.
Gernot Dollner, Audi’s CEO, expressed his excitement about the new leadership, stating, “I am delighted that we have been able to gain Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal for our future Formula 1 team. Jonathan has played a major part in many Formula 1 race victories and world championship titles in his Formula 1 career so far, and has extensive experience in the paddock. He is a very valuable addition to our team.” He also noted that the combined expertise of Wheatley and Binotto would be crucial for Audi’s swift integration into Formula 1’s competitive landscape.
Wheatley himself shared his enthusiasm, saying, “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. 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.”
Binotto also expressed his optimism, adding, “I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert. [As] 2026 is not a long time away now, I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.”
With this powerful duo at the helm, Audi is looking forward to its new chapter in Formula 1, aiming for a strong entry and continued success in the highly competitive racing world.
