Sauber Shakeup: Il Futuro del Direttore Veterano Assicurato mentre il Nuovo Capo Squadra Prende il Comando
As the anticipation builds for Audi’s 2026 Formula 1 debut, the motorsport world is abuzz with the latest developments at Sauber. The iconic team has officially announced that Beat Zehnder, a longstanding figure in the organization, will be transitioning into the role of director of signature programs and operations.
Speculations were rife that Zehnder’s tenure at Sauber might come to an end with the arrival of former Red Bull sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, as the new team principal. However, putting all doubts to rest, Sauber has confirmed that Zehnder, who has been an integral part of the team since the 1980s, will continue to play a crucial role in the outfit’s future endeavors.
Having started as a mechanic during Sauber’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Zehnder’s journey within the team has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he has held various key positions, including team manager and chief mechanic, before assuming the role of Sporting Director.
In a statement to Blick, Zehnder expressed his optimism about Wheatley’s arrival, stating, “With Wheatley, we can all be happy that he’s coming. After 571 races, I won’t be at the controls anymore. But I’ll certainly still be fulfilling tasks in the background.”
Meanwhile, Wheatley himself shared his excitement about the transition from Red Bull to Sauber, highlighting the unique opportunity to lead Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as the head of a factory team. He also emphasized his eagerness to collaborate with Mattia Binotto, whom he has known for many years, in this thrilling new chapter of his career.
The stage is set for a new era at Sauber, with a blend of experience and fresh perspectives steering the team towards its future in Formula 1. Fans and enthusiasts alike are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the unfolding of this exciting chapter in the world of motorsport.
