Crimson Bull Racing sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will depart the group on the finish of this yr to turn into the brand new group principal of the Audi System 1 undertaking.
Wheatley has been a part of Crimson Bull for the previous 18 years and is deemed a key determine within the group’s administration, having beforehand been group supervisor earlier than turning into sporting director. With the chance to step up and turn into a group principal with the longer term Audi F1 undertaking — the Sauber-run group presently racing as Stake — he’ll see out the remainder of this season earlier than shifting in 2025.
“It has been a protracted and profitable relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years,” Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner stated. “His contribution to 6 world constructors’ titles and 7 world drivers’ championships, first as group supervisor and latterly sporting director, will ceaselessly be a marker in our group historical past.
“Jonathan will stay in his place till the tip of the 2024 season, because the group search to defend each our world drivers’ and world constructors’ titles efficiently. A interval of ‘gardening depart’ will comply with in 2025.”
Wheatley’s departure follows that of Adrian Newey later this yr in addition to senior figures Rob Marshall and Dan Fallows just lately shifting to McLaren and Aston Martin respectively, and Horner says there shall be a brand new group group put in place that shall be publicly revealed quickly.
“Everybody at Oracle Crimson Bull Racing and Crimson Bull Expertise want him all the perfect in his new position and wish to place our due to Jonathan. Crimson Bull Racing have super energy and depth and this offers alternative to raise others inside the group. We are going to announce a brand new group construction within the coming weeks.”
The arrival of Wheatley has but to be formally introduced by Audi, however will see him working beneath former Ferrari group principal Mattia Binotto who was just lately unveiled as the brand new chief technical officer and chief working officer of Sauber Motorsport AG.
