Crimson Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will go away the staff to hitch the Audi F1 venture.
Wheatley has been a part of Crimson Bull since 2006 and performed an instrumental position of their success, profitable six constructors’ and 7 drivers’ titles.
The 57-year-old will stick with Crimson Bull till the tip of this yr, earlier than serving a interval of gardening go away in 2025, then will turn out to be Audi staff principal once they take over Sauber in 2026.
Sky Sports activities Information understands Wheatley has taken the Audi alternative to progress his profession in a staff principal position and it’ll give Crimson Bull the possibility to present extra accountability to different members of the staff.
“It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years,” mentioned Crimson Bull staff principal Christian Horner.
“His contribution to six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships, first as team manager and latterly sporting director will forever be a marker in our team history.”
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The announcement comes three months after Adrian Newey left Crimson Bull’s F1 staff to concentrate on their hypercar venture earlier than leaving the corporate totally in early 2025.
Wheatley oversees Crimson Bull’s pit cease crew, which have damaged a number of data over the past decade for pit cease occasions.
He is finest identified for his radio calls to race director Michael Masi all through the controversial 2021 season, which Verstappen gained on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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“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,” learn a Crimson Bull assertion.
“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.”
New Audi construction taking form
Wheatley will work with former Ferrari staff principal Mattia Binotto, who will make his return to Method 1 after being appointed as Audi’s chief working and chief technical officer.
Binotto has already formally joined the staff forward of its debut season underneath the Audi banner in 2026, with Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and chairman of the board of administrators Olivier Hoffmann departing.
“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” Audi CEO Gernot Doellner mentioned.
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“With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.
“Our intention is to convey all the Method 1 venture as much as F1 pace by way of clear administration buildings, outlined duties, diminished interfaces, and environment friendly decision-making processes.”
Binotto left his post with Ferrari in the wake of a 2022 campaign in which the team’s title charge faded disappointingly, the Italian being succeeded by Frederic Vasseur. He had been a part of the Ferrari team since 1995 and became team principal in 2019.
Sauber, who remain the only team without a point in F1 this season, will officially become Audi in 2026.
Formula 1 returns after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on August 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
