Red Bull loses a historic figure as he heads to Audi

British Jonathan WheatleyThe former Formula 1 sporting director of Red Bull will step down as part of the current world champions at the end of the 2024 season to become director of the future Audi team that will be on the grid in 2026, it was announced on Thursday.

Wheatley, 57, who has worked at Red Bull since 2006, has been part of all of the Austrian company’s greatest successes, including seven world drivers’ titles (four with Red Bull). Sebastian Vettel2010 to 2013, and 3 years Max Verstappen2021 to 2023). 6 manufacturer Crowns (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, 2023).

“His contribution, first as team director and then as sporting director, will remain forever in the history of our team,” the Red Bull boss said. Christian Horner In a press release.

Jonathan Wheatley Red Bull suggested he would remain in that position until the end of the 2024 season and defend his world title.

The Briton will need to take sick leave in 2025 before joining Audi, “no later than July 2025”, according to his future team.

Red Bull He will lose his car designer too. Adrian Newey Regarded as one of the greatest engineers in F1 history, he announced in May that he would be leaving the Austrian team at the end of the season.

“I’ve been incredibly proud to have been part of the Red Bull Racing adventure over the past 18 years, but the opportunity to play an active role in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as factory team principal is hugely exciting,” Wheatley said in Audi’s press release.

The announcement was made by the Italian, a former Ferrari F1 manager. Mattia Binottowho took the reins at the Audi project, officially became the new technical and operations director of the Sauber Motorsport AG team on Thursday.

The pair “will become leaders in the Sauber Motorsport AG management team,” the German brand said.

Earlier this year, the Falling Makers, part of the galaxy, Volkswagenannounced that it had completed the acquisition of Sauber.

The Swiss team, currently bottom of the F1 constructors’ championship, will continue to compete among motorsport’s elite until the end of 2025, using its own Ferrari name and engines before becoming Audi.