Jonathan Wheatley to leave Red Bull Racing to become Audi F1 team boss

Red Bull have announced the departure of their Sporting Director, Jonathan Wheatley, who will leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit at the end of the season to become Audi's new team principal.

Red Bull have confirmed that their Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley will leave the Austro-British outfit, as he heads to a new challenge, taking up the role of Team Principal with the Audi F1 Project.

Before joining Audi, Wheatley will continue his role at Red Bull for the remainder of the year before a period of gardening leave in 2025.

Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner said, ‘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.

"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 gardening leave will follow in 2025.

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."

Wheatley becomes Audi’s latest major signing, following on from former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto. The Swiss-Italian’s official title is Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer.

Wheatley will report to Binotto, who starts work at Hinwil, Switzerland today.