Jonathan Wheatley will lead Audi’s return to Formula 1.
It has been a while since a new vehicle manufacturer has entered the Formula 1 scene. To give the brand a fighting chance on the track, Audi has hired a new chief technical officer and team principal, both of whom bring plenty of experience.
Recently, Audi also announced that Ferrari’s former lead, Matia Binotto, will be taking charge as the chief operator and technical officer to ensure the Audi team has the needed experience and racing know-how right from the get-go. But the big news for the Audi team is its new team principal.
Jonathan Wheatley is a name you’d likely associate with Red Bull. He has played a major role in six constructor championships for the team, as well as seven world driver championships. Previously, he was Red Bull’s team manager and sporting director, but his new role will force him to depart from the Red Bull team to take up his position at the head of Audi F1.
With so many years invested in the Red Bull brand, we can only imagine how the Red Bull team feels as they part ways with Wheatley. Christian Horner, on the other hand, appeared to suppress his emotions, praising the new Audi principle for his Red Bull contributions: “It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. His contribution to six constructors’ titles and seven world championships, first as team manager and latterly as sporting director, will forever be a marker in our team history.
Wheatley will continue with Red Bull throughout the 2024 season, and it’s exciting to see this new team rally its troops and prepare for the battle on the track ahead. It’s clear that for Audi, it is imperative to be at the top of their game before their time in the F1 spotlight begins. I know F1 fans are eagerly awaiting the day we see Audi take on the Titans, and it will likely change F1 as we know it.
