Red Bull F1 loses another key figure

Just over a week ago the incoming Audi Formula 1 project announced that Mattia Binotto, formerly the Team Principal at Ferrari, was taking over the operation as the new Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber Motorsport AG.

Now Audi is adding a key team member from Red Bull.

Jonathan Wheatley, the Sporting Director at Red Bull, is departing the team at the end of the 2024 season. Following a gardening period, Wheatley will join the Audi project as their Team Principal,

Wheatley has spent almost two decades at Red Bull, and as part of his role with the team he oversees Red Bull’s pit crew, widely regarded as one of the best in the sport.

Announcing the news Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner thanked Wheatley for his role in the team’s success, before noting that Red Bull has a depth of talent and a replacement will be named in short order.

‘It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. His contribution to six World Constructors’ Titles and seven World Drivers’ Championship, first as Team Manager and latterly Sporting Director will forever be a marker in our Team history.

“Jonathan will remain in his position until the end of the 2024 season, as the Team seek to defend both our World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ Titles successfully. A period of gardening leave will follow in 2025.

“Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology wish him all the best in his new role and would like to place our thanks to Jonathan. Red Bull Racing have tremendous strength and depth and this provides opportunity to elevate others within the Team. We will announce a new Team structure in the coming weeks.”

Wheatley is the latest key figure to announce their departure from Red Bull. Earlier this season Adrian Newey, arguably the greatest engineer and car designer in the history of the sport, would be leaving the team following this season. Newey has yet to announce where his legendary career will take him next.