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Wheatley leaves Red Bull to become Audi F1 team principal

  • Darshan Chokhani
    • Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull, F1, Audi

    NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Oracle Red Bull Racing Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley looks on from the pitwall during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2024 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202407050356 // Usage for editorial use only //

    Red Bull Racing has announced the departure of Jonathan Wheatley from his Sporting Director role to take Audi F1 team principal role.

    There were some rumours of Wheatley leaving Red Bull after the departure of Adrian Newey, but those speculations were not paid much attention by the F1 team. But it has now been confirmed that the long-time veteran will leave the outfit.

    Having gone through other work, Wheatley rose up to become its Sporting Director in recent times. He will continue in the role until the end of the 2024 F1 season and will have to serve gardening leave before starting out with Sauber/Audi.

    In fact, it is Red Bull who has announced that Wheatley will become the Audi F1 team principal, with the German manufacturer yet to confirm anything. “Today, Oracle Red Bull Racing announce the departure of Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, as he heads to a new challenge, taking up the role of Team Principal with the Audi F1 Project,” said the statement.

    Adding further, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner stated: “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.”

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