Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto will type a “twin administration” construction of Audi’s Components 1 group when the marque rebrands the Sauber squad in 2026.
Wheatley’s upcoming exit from his sporting director role was announced by the Red Bull squad on Thursday, however no phrase was initially forthcoming from Audi.
It has since launched a press release confirming Pink Bull’s message, in addition to asserting that Wheatley will solely begin working for Sauber/Audi in July 2025.
When he finishes working for Pink Bull on the finish of 2024, he’ll then be on gardening leaving till he begins his new group principal place with Sauber, forward of its transformation into the Audi works group originally of the next season.
Wheatley’s hiring by Audi comes only a week-and-a-half after the producer revealed it had axed earlier Sauber group CEO Andreas Seidl and chairman of the board Oliver Hoffmann after an inside energy battle had emerged between the pair.
Audi has now revealed how the Binotto/Wheatley mixture will work, saying in a press release that “there’s a clear division of duties, and tasks have been individually outlined”, in addition to how they’ll every “collectively take accountability for the success of the racing group” and “report on to [Audi CEO] Gernot Dollner in his function as Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Sauber Motorsport AG”.
Binotto, as group COO and CTO, might be in control of Audi’s Hinwil manufacturing facility and technical division – overseeing the design and construct of latest Audi automobiles – in addition to its engine plant in Neuburg.
Jonathan Wheatley, Crew Supervisor, Pink Bull Racing
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Wheatley will run the outfit’s F1 group at occasions and be its media spokesperson.
“The choice in favour of a twin administration group is a part of the realignment of the management construction of the longer term manufacturing facility group within the context of the total takeover of all shares within the Sauber Group by Audi,” learn the Audi assertion.
“I’m delighted that we’ve got been in a position to achieve Jonathan Wheatley as group principal for our future Components 1 group,” mentioned Gernot Dollner.
“Jonathan has performed a serious half in lots of Components 1 race victories and world championship titles in his Components 1 profession thus far, and has intensive expertise within the paddock. He’s a really priceless addition to our group.
“With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we’ve got taken a decisive step in the direction of our entry into Components 1.
“I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, we’ve got been in a position to mix an especially excessive degree of competence for Audi.
“Their expertise and their capacity will assist us to get a foothold shortly within the powerful aggressive world of Components 1.”
Mattia Binotto, Crew Principal, Ferrari, with Jonathan Wheatley, Crew Supervisor, Pink Bull Racing
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Wheatley mentioned: “I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Pink Bull Racing journey during the last 18 years and can go away with many fond reminiscences.
“Nevertheless, the chance to play an lively half in Audi’s entry into Components 1 as head of a manufacturing facility group is a uniquely thrilling prospect, and I’m wanting ahead to the problem.
“Additionally, I’m glad to be working along with Mattia, whom I’ve identified for a few years and who’s the precise particular person to collaborate with on this thrilling mission.”
Binotto added: “I’ve identified Jonathan for a few years and fee him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport professional.
“[As] 2026 is just not a very long time away now, I’m wanting ahead to establishing the brand new racing group for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”
