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Jonathan Wheatley Named Team Principal of Future Audi F1 Factory Team
In a major development for the future Audi F1 factory team, Jonathan Wheatley has been appointed as Team Principal. This move follows the recent appointment of Mattia Binotto, signaling Audi's ambitious plans for its Formula 1 project. “I am delighted that we have been able to gain Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal for our future Formula 1 team,” says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “Jonathan has played a major part in many Formula 1 race victories and World Championship titles in his Formula 1 career so far, and has extensive experience in the paddock. He is a very valuable addition to our team.“
Jonathan Wheatley’s illustrious career in Formula 1 began in the early 1990s at Benetton Formula One, where he rose to become chief mechanic. He then moved to the newly founded Red Bull Racing team, where he served as Sporting Director. During his tenure at Red Bull Racing, Wheatley contributed to winning six constructors' and seven drivers' World Championships.
Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley will jointly head the new management team at Sauber Motorsport AG. Both will report directly to Gernot Döllner in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG, ensuring a clear division of duties and responsibilities.
As COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto will manage the operations at Sauber Motorsport AG in Hinwil and oversee the technical development of future racing cars. He will serve as the technical interface between the development teams in Hinwil and Audi Formula Racing GmbH at the Audi site in Neuburg an der Donau, responsible for power unit development.
By July 2025, Jonathan Wheatley will complete Audi’s new management team as Team Principal and management spokesperson. He will focus on the racing performance of the future F1 factory team, operational management of all race events, and representing Audi at the Team Principal level in Formula 1 matters.
The dual management team structure aligns with Audi's full takeover of all shares in the Sauber Group. “With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia, we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into Formula 1,“ says Gernot Döllner. “I am convinced that with the two of them, we have been able to combine an extremely high level of competence for Audi. Their experience and ability will help us to get a foothold quickly in the tough competitive world of Formula 1.“
Jonathan Wheatley expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last eighteen years and will leave with many fond memories. However, the opportunity to play an active part in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to the challenge. I am also glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and who is the right person to collaborate with in this exciting project.“
Mattia Binotto added, “I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert. 2026 is not a long time away now, and I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.“
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