Crimson Bull workforce principal Christian Horner stated Wheatley’s “contribution to 6 world constructors’ titles and 7 world drivers’ championships, first as workforce supervisor and latterly sporting director, will without end be a marker in our workforce historical past”.
Crimson Bull’s assertion stated a brand new workforce construction can be introduced at a later date.
Wheatley grew to become extensively identified following the controversial 2021 world championship finale in Abu Dhabi, when he efficiently lobbied race director Michael Masi to restart the race one lap from the top after a security automotive interval.
Masi over-rode the principles to take action, ignoring stipulations about restart timing and the dealing with of lapped automobiles, and the choice led to Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen passing Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes on the ultimate lap to clinch the world title.
Hamilton had dominated the race as much as that time and was on target to beat Verstappen to the championship.
A subsequent inquiry held by governing physique the FIA put Masi’s actions right down to “human error”. The Australian had by that time already left his function with the FIA.
Wheatley is without doubt one of the most extremely regarded senior operatives in F1. He has gained seven drivers’ titles and 6 constructors’ championships with Crimson Bull.
Earlier than becoming a member of the workforce, he was on the Benetton/Renault workforce from 1991 to 2006, rising by means of the ranks to develop into chief mechanic.
Throughout his time there, the workforce gained two drivers’ titles with Michael Schumacher in 1994-95, and in 2005 with Fernando Alonso, who additionally gained in 2006.
Crimson Bull underneath Wheatley’s sporting management have develop into the best-drilled workforce within the pit lane, commonly main the charts for quickest pit stops.
He has additionally been instrumental within the sporting committee that oversees the moulding of that facet of the rules.
Audi’s transfer for Wheatley marks a possibility for profession development, which he has stated he has needed for a while.
He’s the second main determine to depart Crimson Bull this season, following the choice of chief technical officer Adrian Newey to quit.
Newey, who negotiated an early exit, is free to work for an additional workforce from March subsequent yr.
