After 18 years with Red Bull, Jonathan Wheatley is set to depart and take on the role of team principal at Audi, marking a significant loss for the reigning world champions.
A brief 175-word announcement shared in Red Bull’s WhatsApp group for journalists confirmed that Wheatley, who held the position of sporting director, would be joining Audi to lead their newly established team. This move is a remarkable gain for Audi as they enter F1 in 2026, with Wheatley undoubtedly being a top choice for any team principal position.
This development comes as Audi has expressed concerns over its progress, following the exits of Andreas Seidl and Sauber’s chairman Oliver Hoffmann. They have now appointed former Ferrari leader Mattia Binotto to oversee Audi’s entire F1 operation, with Wheatley stepping in as team principal.
While this appointment bolsters Audi’s position, it also raises questions about Red Bull’s future, especially in light of Carlos Sainz choosing to join Williams next season.
Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed that Adrian Newey would be departing, and the team’s narrative suggested that Newey was simply seeking new challenges. They expressed confidence in their depth to manage his exit.
Newey, who has been with Red Bull since 2006, has been pivotal in their success, contributing to 13 world titles. However, his daily involvement has lessened in recent years, with technical director Pierre Wache assuming more responsibilities.
Adrian Newey, Chief Technology Officer, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Internally, there seems to be an acknowledgment that Newey’s exit was a natural point for transition, as Wache is prepared to step up. However, Wheatley’s role does not have a clear successor, making the search for a replacement more complex.
PLUS: Why soon-to-depart Newey isn’t Red Bull’s only senior figure to miss
Wheatley’s position as sporting director or team manager has often not received the recognition it deserves. He plays a crucial role in managing the team’s operational and sporting elements, overseeing trackside logistics, personnel, travel arrangements, car assembly, and pit stops — a department where Red Bull consistently excels. He also serves as the critical link between the team and the FIA.
A glaring instance of his influence can be seen during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where his interactions with former FIA race director Michael Masi contributed significantly to the chain of events that led to a controversial conclusion of the season and ultimately Max Verstappen’s championship win. Wheatley, previously a chief mechanic for Benetton, displayed remarkable calm in navigating FIA regulations.
Red Bull has expressed confidence that it can manage Wheatley’s departure, as noted in the statement: “Red Bull Racing has tremendous strength and depth, which allows for opportunities to promote others within the team. We will unveil a new team structure in the coming weeks.”
Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether a suitable replacement is on the horizon. This situation, combined with Newey’s recent exit, could give Red Bull’s competitors the chance to claim that the reigning champions are facing a downturn.
Jonathan Wheatley, Team Manager, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Critics may point to Red Bull’s recent performance, noting their inability to secure a win in the past four races, while also highlighting Verstappen’s frustrations and Perez’s struggles.
Outwardly, Red Bull will endeavor to ignore the criticism, but internally, their staff may find it more challenging to overlook the departure of Wheatley, who has been a crucial unifying force within the team, even if he has accepted a more prestigious position.
