Headlines throughout most of 2024 have focused on Adrian Newey. His departure from Red Bull is obviously a huge development in F1, especially given reports that he is joining Aston Martin. However, the absence of Jonathan Wheatley (former Red Bull Sporting Director) has been somewhat overlooked. Despite this, Wheatley’s exit from Milton Keynes and acquisition by Audi is arguably more impactful for the reigning Champions.
Wheatley could be central to Audi recruitment
Wheatley was announced as one of Audi’s marquee signings over the summer. He joins the German manufacturer with Mattia Binotto, who will take responsibility for the team’s big-picture decisions as CTO.
Specifically, the former Ferrari boss is expected to play an integral role in Audi’s engine programme.
Meanwhile, in his role as team principal, Jonathan Wheatley is entrusted with overseeing operational and sporting activities. This is largely an extension of the 57-year-old’s duties from his time at Milton Keynes.
Given Red Bull’s relentless operational efficiency, demonstrated most famously by their pit stops, he could play an instrumental part in strengthening Sauber in this area.
Perhaps more significantly, Wheatley was at the heart and centre of Red Bull’s team. From top to bottom, the British engineer was in regular contact with various departments at the reigning Champions.
As a result, likely more so than Adrian Newey, he could help facilitate the movement of several key personnel away from Milton Keynes.
It is no secret that Audi are working to recruit hundreds more engineers as the 2026 regulations approach. The objective is to bolster both the team’s aerodynamic and engine departments.
In combination with Audi’s financial firepower, giving them the potential to offer rival engineers a significant pay rise, Wheatley could be very active in the coming months.
Whilst nothing is guaranteed at this stage, it would not be unusual for Red Bull to lose more key personnel.
Much like Mercedes, Christian Horner’s teams have suffered something of a brain drain since becoming Champions. This is partly because teams like Audi can make financial offers to engineers that their current teams cannot match.
Still a long road ahead for Audi
Of course, the competitive landscape in F1 is constantly evolving.
There are now four teams regularly fighting at the front, with the potential for others (like Aston Martin) to join the mix in 2026.
Although Audi’s project is filled with potential, there is still a long road to reach F1 success.
Sauber’s factory in Hinwil will continue to oversee aerodynamic development, so strengthening the team’s current foundations are also necessary.
Alongside Mattia Bunotto, Jonathan Wheatley is in a unique position to influence the destiny of a team that will enter the sport as a largely unknown quantity in 2026.
