Sauber has just confirmed that Jonathan Wheatley, who previously served as the sporting director for Red Bull Racing, will officially step into his new role with the Swiss team starting from next month’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Wheatley’s move from Milton Keynes to Hinwil was initially announced last August. However, at that time, Sauber didn’t specify exactly when he would start as the team’s principal.
In his crucial new role, Wheatley will be collaborating closely with Sauber’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, as they lead the team forward. They’ll both be reporting directly to Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Directors, while Audi prepares to rebrand Sauber as its official factory team in 2026. This maneuver underscores the German automaker’s high aspirations, and bringing Wheatley on board is a clear indicator of their serious intent.
### Climbing the Ranks of Formula 1
Wheatley’s career in Formula 1 kicked off in the early ’90s with Benetton, where he began as a mechanic and eventually rose to Chief Mechanic, staying during the team’s transition to Renault. By 2006, he joined Red Bull Racing, flourishing in his role as Sporting Director and playing a key part in securing six Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles.
Now, he’s ready to exchange that legacy for a brand-new challenge with Sauber. A statement from Kick Sauber highlighted that both Wheatley and Binotto will share the responsibility of steering the racing team to success, each operating within a framework that delineates their roles.
Reflecting on his new venture, Wheatley expressed, “I feel incredibly proud of my time at Red Bull Racing over the last 18 years, where I’ve forged countless cherished memories. However, the chance to be actively involved in Audi’s Formula 1 entry as a factory team head is truly thrilling, and I’m looking forward to the challenges it brings. I’m also excited to work alongside Mattia, with whom I have a long-standing professional friendship, making him the perfect partner in this exciting enterprise.”
### Laying the Foundation for Tomorrow
Wheatley and Binotto’s partnership forms a critical part of Audi’s strategic vision for Sauber. This leadership pairing arrives at a transformative time as Sauber transitions into 2025 with a refreshed driver lineup featuring Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg and Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto. This shift follows the departure of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu at the conclusion of 2024, marking a fresh start for the team.
With Wheatley and Binotto at the wheel, Sauber isn’t just gearing up for Audi’s transition; they’re setting the stage for a competitive comeback, blending experience with an unyielding drive for victory.
For more insights, check out our piece on the reportedly ‘not-so-smooth’ transition at Sauber. Stay updated with all the latest F1 news on X and Facebook.
