Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has announced that the team will seek an internal solution to replace Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, who will be leaving. This surprising news came on Thursday, with Wheatley set to depart at the end of the current season to take on the role of Team Principal for Audi’s new F1 team. Wheatley, who has been with Red Bull since 2006, has played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them secure multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. However, he has decided to pursue new opportunities with Audi, who will be entering F1 as a works operation in 2026. Red Bull will continue its tradition of promoting from within and will announce a new team structure in the near future.
Wheatley is set to depart from Red Bull, following in the footsteps of design expert Adrian Newey, who is scheduled to leave in March 2025.
Previously, Horner echoed his most recent public statement, explaining that Red Bull has created an environment where it is ready to evolve its working structure.
“Our team has always embraced change, nothing remains stagnant,” Horner emphasized during a visit to China in April. “Nothing remains stagnant indefinitely, but we have enjoyed remarkable continuity.
“Paul Monaghan accepted the award [in China] and has been a part of our team for 19 years.
“We have always had great stability, but at the same time, we have continued to nurture exceptional talent within the team.
“Consider engineers like Rocky [Guillaume Rocquelin], who achieved multiple championships with Sebastian [Vettel] – he still collaborates with the team.
“He is working on a different project but remains within our organization. Simon Rennie also continues to work for the team.
“We have numerous engineers and designers. We have always had incredible stability, but it is not solely dependent on one or two individuals, it is a collective effort.”
Wheatley, who will be placed on gardening leave, will join forces with former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, who has been appointed as Sauber’s Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer.
“I am immensely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey for the past 18 years and will depart with countless cherished memories,” Wheatley expressed.
“However, the opportunity to actively contribute to Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as the head of a factory team is an exceptionally thrilling prospect, and I am eagerly anticipating the challenge.
“Additionally, I am delighted to collaborate with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and is the ideal person to work with on this exciting project.”
