Horner will employ more engineers for Wheatley's high salary

Following the departure of sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner explained that the Milton Keynes-based outfit could hire several engineers for his high salary.

Red Bull confirmed after the Belgian Grand Prix 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.

Wheatley’s career in Formula 1 started back 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 has been very successful as Sporting Director. In his time at Red Bull Racing, Wheatley has been involved in winning all six constructor’s and seven Driver’s World Championships.

Following the announcement, Audi explained that Mattia Binotto and Wheatley will together head the new management team at Sauber Motorsport AG. In their new positions, both will report directly to Gernot Döllner in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.

Commenting on Wheatley's departure, Red Bull team boss 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.

Speaking to Swiss publication Blick at Spa, Horner explained that he could hire several engineers for Wheatley's high salary.

"I know that Jonathan wants to leave. Why not? He is an expensive man and I can employ a few engineers for his salary."