Red Bull Racing is undergoing significant changes to its Formula 1 team structure following the announcement of sporting director Jonathan Wheatley’s departure to Audi in 2025. Wheatley, who has been a cornerstone of Red Bull’s race operations for years, will remain with the team until the end of 2024 before taking a period of gardening leave. Audi has confirmed that Wheatley will join them as F1 team boss by July 2025 at the latest.
Rather than directly replacing Wheatley, Red Bull is opting for an internal restructuring, with key figures taking on expanded roles as the team adjusts to the shakeup. The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure continuity and reward loyalty among its senior staff despite a year of high-profile exits, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and rumors of internal tensions fueled by Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen.
Lambiase to Lead Expanded Operations
One of the most notable promotions is for Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s long-serving race engineer. Lambiase will continue in his role as Verstappen’s trackside engineer but will now take on broader responsibilities as Head of Racing. His new duties will include overseeing the race team, heritage and car build departments, as well as strategy and sporting regulations. Lambiase, who has been a part of Red Bull for nine years, is seen as a vital asset to the team’s future success, and this promotion solidifies his standing within the organization.
Without Wheatley’s departure, Lambiase’s long-term future at Red Bull had been uncertain, but his promotion reflects Red Bull’s renewed commitment to keeping key personnel as part of its long-term strategy.
Further Promotions Amid Red Bull’s Leadership Shuffle
In addition to Lambiase’s expanded role, other senior members of the team have also been promoted. Steve Knowles, currently a senior race strategy engineer on the pitwall, will assume responsibility for regulatory matters with the FIA, reporting directly to Lambiase. Knowles’ new position, titled Acting Head of Sporting, will see him manage Red Bull’s compliance and engagement with Formula 1’s governing body.
Rich Wolverson, another senior engineer within the team, will take on the role of Head of Race Team Operation, directly reporting to Lambiase as well. Wolverson’s efforts will be supported by chief mechanic Phil Turner, who is set to be promoted to Race Team Factory Operations Manager.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Despite a year marked by internal changes and external challenges, Red Bull’s reshuffling highlights a strategic move to reinforce its internal structure. The expanded roles for key personnel like Lambiase and the promotions of Knowles, Wolverson, and Turner demonstrate the team’s focus on leveraging in-house talent to maintain its competitive edge.
Wheatley, who has been with Red Bull through some of its most defining moments—including his lobbying efforts during the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—leaves a significant legacy. But Red Bull’s leadership believes that with this new structure, the team will remain in a strong position for future success.
As the Formula 1 season continues and Red Bull eyes further titles, the team’s new hierarchy will be put to the test in its pursuit of sustained dominance in the sport.
