Jonathan Wheatley leaves Red Bull to take charge of Audi

The summer break is loaded with Formula 1. After the confirmation of the arrival of Oliver Oakes at Alpine Wednesday, Red Bull announced this Thursday, August 1, the upcoming departure of its sports director Jonathan Wheatley. The latter will remain in his position until the end of the 2024 season before assuming the role of team director of the Audi F1 project in 2026, announces the Austrian team. The 57-year-old Briton will have to respect a mandatory period of leave in 2025 before taking up his new role in Ingolstadt (Germany). The brand with the rings confirmed Wheatley's arrival at the end of the day.

« We have had a long and fruitful relationship with Jonathan, for over 18 years, says Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing general and team director. His contribution to six Constructors' World Championship titles and seven Drivers' World Championship titles, first as team principal and then as sporting director, will forever remain a milestone in the history of our team. » Arrived from Renault in 2006, Jonathan Wheatley has been present on the Red Bull pit wall ever since. He notably contributed to the team's excellent performances during pit stops in recent years.

A movement which adds to the recent arrival of Mattia Binotto at Audi. The Italian was appointed on July 23 in place of Andreas Seidl at the head of the German manufacturer's F1 project, which is scheduled to arrive in 2026. Oliver Hoffmann, chairman of the board of directors, was also told the program exits. The only confirmed driver at present is Nico Hulkenberg. As for Red Bull, the team will announce its new structure in the coming weeks.

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