Jonathan Wheatley to Leave Red Bull for Audi F1 Project

Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is making a surprise move to join the Audi F1 project. After 18 years with the team, Wheatley will leave Red Bull at the end of the year to take up a new role as team principal with Audi. The 57-year-old has been a key member of the Red Bull team, playing an instrumental role in their success, including winning six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles. Wheatley’s departure will give Red Bull the opportunity to give more responsibility to other members of the team, and he is set to serve a period of gardening leave before joining Audi.

Audi have confirmed that Wheatley will join the team by July 2025 at the latest, and will become team principal when they take over Sauber in 2026. Wheatley expressed his pride at being a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years, but is excited about the opportunity to play an active part in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team. This move is seen as a unique opportunity for Wheatley to progress his career in a team principal role, and Red Bull’s decision to let him go is a testament to the team’s ability to identify and develop talent.

Wheatley’s departure from Red Bull comes at a time when the team is gearing up for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which returns on August 23-25. The move is seen as a significant one, not just for Wheatley and Red Bull, but also for Audi, who are set to join the F1 grid in 2026. With Wheatley at the helm, Audi will be looking to make a strong impression and compete with the established teams in the sport. The move will be closely watched by fans and teams alike, and is a significant development in the world of Formula 1.