Jonathan Wheatley, the new team principal of Sauber, which will be transitioning into Audi in 2026, has spoken about his decision to leave Red Bull and join the new team. Wheatley, who had served as sporting director at Red Bull, was approached by Audi after an article suggested he was looking to leave Red Bull following Adrian Newey’s departure. Despite having a low media profile at the time, Wheatley’s name was suddenly in the papers, creating a difficult situation at work.
However, the attention also led to approaches from other teams, making Wheatley consider his options. He eventually chose Audi, citing the team’s solid foundations, including the Sauber heritage and factory in Switzerland, as well as the opportunity to be part of a new journey in Formula 1. Wheatley was excited about the prospect of working with a new team and being part of the transformation into Audi.
Wheatley has spent nearly 40 years in Formula 1, starting as a number two mechanic with Benetton and working his way up to become sporting director at Red Bull. He has learned from various managers and has developed his own methodology for building a team. Wheatley believes that his experience has given him tremendous perspective, allowing him to keep his eyes focused on the future and not get caught up in the day-to-day pressures of the sport.
As team principal of Sauber/Audi, Wheatley is looking to bring his experience and knowledge to the team, helping to build a successful and competitive outfit. He is excited about the new power unit regulations and the use of 100% sustainable fuels, which he believes will be a game-changer for the sport. Wheatley is confident that Audi will be a major player in Formula 1, and he is looking forward to being part of the journey.
Wheatley’s experience includes working with successful drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen, and he believes that success breeds success. He knows what it takes to win championships and is well-prepared to lead the Sauber/Audi team to success. Wheatley is focused on the future and is excited about the prospect of working with a new team and being part of the transformation into Audi. He is confident that he can add value to the team and help them achieve their goals.
Overall, Wheatley’s decision to join Sauber/Audi was driven by his desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to be part of a new journey in Formula 1. He is excited about the prospect of working with a new team and is confident that he can bring his experience and knowledge to help the team achieve success. With his tremendous perspective and experience, Wheatley is well-prepared to lead the Sauber/Audi team to success in the future.