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By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
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Red Bull Racing has announced the departure of Jonathan Wheatley, the team's Sporting Director, closely following the exit news of Adrian Newey, the team's Chief Technical Officer. Wheatley, who has been instrumental in the team's numerous championships, is set to join Audi's new Formula 1 venture as Team Principal beginning in 2026.
Wheatley has been a pivotal figure at Red Bull, serving the team for over 18 years. His tenure saw him rise from Team Manager to Sporting Director, during which he helped steer the team to six World Constructors' Titles and seven World Drivers' Championships.
Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, lauded Wheatley's contributions, stating, as quoted by Planet F1:
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"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.
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"Jonathan will remain in his position until the end of the 2024 season, as the Team seek to defend both our World Drivers' and World Constructors' Titles successfully. A period of guarding leave will follow in 2025."
The time and method of his exit is set, with Wheatley continuing his duties throughout the 2024 season, aiming to bolster Red Bull's championship defenses before his transition period in 2025.
The changes in Red Bull's leadership arrive amidst Audi's aggressive entrance into Formula 1, taking over Sauber to mark its debut in 2026. Audi's F1 strategy appears robust, with significant hires including Wheatley and Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari Team Principal, who will serve as Audi's Chief Technical Officer. The German team has already confirmed one part of its driver line-up with current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg joining Sauber in 2025 on a multi-year contract, however, it is yet to be confirmed who will drive alongside him.
Amidst the leadership overhaul, Horner expressed confidence in the team's resilience and depth. He concluded:
"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."
There have been countless rumors of Red Bull's star driver and three-time champion Max Verstappen leaving the team for a seat at Mercedes in 2025 and this news is likely to further fuel this speculation.
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