Christian Horner loses another key Red Bull ally as exodus continues
Jonathan Wheatley has been a key figure at Red Bull Racing for the majority of his 18 years with the team but he is now set to take on a new challenge
Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is set to part ways with the F1 team. After nearly two decades at Red Bull, where he served as one of team principal Christian Horner's most trusted aides, 57-year-old Wheatley is gearing up to lead Audi's nascent F1 venture.
Red Bull disclosed this significant shift in a statement: "Today, Oracle Red Bull Racing announce the departure of sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, as he heads to a new challenge, taking up the role of team principal with the Audi F1 Project."
Reflecting on the long-standing collaboration, Horner shared: "It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. His contribution to six world constructors' titles and seven world drivers' championship, first as team manager and latterly sporting director will forever be a marker in our team history."
Wheatley will continue his duties with Red Bull until the culmination of this season, before embarking on gardening leave. It's anticipated that he will step into his new position with Audi once they acquire Sauber F1 Team, set for 2026.
A spokesperson from Red Bull added, expressing gratitude and forward-looking optimism: "Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology wish him all the best in his new role and would like to place our thanks to Jonathan. Red Bull Racing have tremendous strength and depth and this provides opportunity to elevate others within the team. We will announce a new team structure in the coming weeks."
Red Bull's technical mastermind, Adrian Newey, has set the paddock abuzz with his impending exit next year, leaving a question mark on his next destination in Formula One. After holding the reins as chief technical officer, the 65-year-old's departure follows hot on the heels of other significant moves within the team.
While Ferrari seemed to be leading the charge for Newey's expertise, Aston Martin is now reportedly edging ahead in the race to secure his services. Nonetheless, a pact with Red Bull places a moratorium on any announcements regarding Newey's future until September at the earliest.
The buzz doesn't stop there Williams, having roped in Carlos Sainz for the forthcoming season, are cited by ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert as likely prospects to welcome Newey back into their fold. Chatting to TopOffshoreSportsBooks.com, Herbert speculated: "Drivers have to be told what the plan is for the future of the team and the one man that has been talked about a lot is Adrian Newey. Does Carlos think that Adrian Newey will be joining the team? That would be a brilliant coup for Williams! ".
Herbert also lauded Williams' recent uptick in performance, hailing it as an ideal scenario for Sainz: "It's wonderful that Williams have been getting stronger over the last couple of years and this is perfect for Carlos. I'm so happy he's found himself a place where he'll feel at home. Drivers need to have a feel and support around them. This will help him grow with Williams with the investment that will be coming their way and the changes that need to happen at Williams Racing as well."
