Red Bull to Promote Internal Talent to Replace Departing Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley
In a strategic move, Red Bull Racing, the Formula 1 world champions, will fill the vacant sporting director position from within the team, following Jonathan Wheatley’s departure at the end of the current season. Wheatley, who has been with Red Bull for 18 years, will join Audi as the Formula 1 team principal, overseeing the German car giant’s ambitious plans to produce its own car and engine for the 2026 season.
Wheatley’s decision to leave Red Bull comes as Audi revamps its management structure, having taken over Swiss-based Sauber. Despite Audi’s efforts, the team has struggled to make significant progress, losing out on signing Carlos Sainz to Williams.
Inside sources have confirmed that Mattia Binotto, Audi’s new chief operating and technical officer and former Ferrari team boss, was not involved in Wheatley’s appointment.
Red Bull’s decision to promote from within will provide an opportunity to refresh its management structure. With Christian Horner remaining in control, the team will need to reorganize its pit wall and structure following Wheatley’s and Adrian Newey’s departures.
The team may consider reinstating the team manager role, rather than the sporting director title held by Wheatley, which could help trim costs to comply with Formula 1’s cost cap.
Despite speculation about Red Bull being in turmoil, another perspective suggests that the team is undergoing an evolutionary phase, with veteran staff making way for new talent. The departure of Wheatley, who had aspirations to be a team boss, and Newey’s exit, are seen as opportunities for growth.
Recently, designer Pierre Wache was offered new terms, and it is likely that a new target has been identified for Wheatley’s role. Internal candidates, such as Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Race Engineering and Max Verstappen’s race engineer, could be in contention for the position.
Red Bull is unlikely to seek external candidates, instead viewing the departures of high-paid staff as a natural part of the team’s evolution.
Formula 1 News: Stay tuned for more updates on Red Bull Racing’s management shake-up and Audi’s Formula 1 ambitions.
🔗 Source