Jonathan Wheatley, a Pillar of Red Bull, to Join Audi in 2026: a new chapter in his F1 career.
A turning point in Jonathan Wheatley’s career.
Jonathan Wheatley, an iconic figure at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career. After playing a key role within the Austrian team since 2006, Wheatley will conclude his tenure with Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season. His departure will mark the end of an era where the British sporting director contributed to many of the team’s successes.
A sabbatical year before joining Audi.
Following his time at Red Bull, Wheatley, aged 57, will take a sabbatical year before returning to the F1 arena in 2026, this time under the Audi banner. This strategic decision comes as the four-ringed brand prepares to make its highly anticipated debut in the Formula 1 World Championship.
A successful track record at Red Bull.
During his 18 years at Red Bull, Jonathan Wheatley played a pivotal role in securing seven drivers’ world titles, including four won by Sebastian Vettel between 2010 and 2013, and three by Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2023. He also contributed to the team’s six constructors’ titles, won in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, and 2023. His expertise and leadership were key factors in Red Bull’s dominance on the global F1 stage.
The impact of Mattia Binotto’s arrival at Audi.
Wheatley’s departure announcement coincides with another major strategic move in the F1 world: the arrival of Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari director, to lead the Audi project. Recently appointed as Technical and Operations Director at Sauber Motorsport AG, Binotto will have Jonathan Wheatley reporting directly to him, strengthening the team ahead of their F1 debut in 2026.
Audi’s acquisition of Sauber: a transition in progress.
Earlier this year, Audi, part of the Volkswagen group, completed the acquisition of Sauber, a team currently struggling in the F1 constructors’ championship. Until the end of the 2025 season, Sauber will continue to race under its own name with Ferrari engines before transforming into Audi for the 2026 season.
Conclusion :
Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from Red Bull to Audi marks a significant transition in the Formula 1 landscape. With a renewed team led by respected figures like Wheatley and Binotto, Audi positions itself as a new player to watch starting in 2026. F1 fans will closely follow this new adventure, eager to see how this merged team will perform against the sport’s established giants.
