13.2 C
Manchester
Monday, September 8, 2025
Other SportsFormula 1: Another huge blow to Red Bull as Jonathan Wheatley departs...

Formula 1: Another huge blow to Red Bull as Jonathan Wheatley departs for Audi

Red Bull have been hit with another shock exit as sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is set to join Audi as their team principal.

The Formula 1 champions have been working to renew several of their most important engineers’ contracts in recent months, but Wheatley’s name has been a significant absence.

And the reason for that has now been revealed, with the sporting director set to leave at the end of the current season.

German brand Audi will enter Formula 1 officially in 2026, taking over from what is now known as Sauber.

Wheatley will serve a year of gardening leave before taking up the position.

He joined Red Bull in 2006 having worked as a chief mechanic at Renault and has enjoyed a successful 18-year career in Milton Keynes.


Team principal Christian Horner paid tribute to his close friend, saying: “It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years.

“His contribution to six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships, first as team manager and latterly sporting director will forever be a marker in our team history.”

Wheatley follows chief technical officer Adrian Newey out of the door and his exit will have as much of an impact as the man he is leaving alongside.

Red Bull’s downward trend has been matched on track in recent weeks, with McLaren and Mercedes taking multiple wins from Max Verstappen.

But that did not stop the team from officially announcing his exit, jumping the gun ahead of Audi, who are still yet to comment.

A statement said: “Today, Oracle Red Bull Racing announces the departure of Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, as he heads to a new challenge, taking up the role of Team Principal with the Audi F1 Project.”

With another key figure departing, it leaves the door wide open for Verstappen, whose future is in doubt with Mercedes reportedly desperate to sign him.

Mitch Fretton
Mitch Fretton
Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.
Latest

Platform81 Expands Workforce with Five New Specialists in PPC and Web Development

Platform81, a fast-growing digital marketing agency with offices in Stockport, Bromsgrove and Trowbridge, has enhanced its team with five new appointments across its PPC...

Healing power of knowledge: How learning about your condition can change everything

For many individuals, receiving a diagnosis can be likened to a door suddenly closing. The confusion: a surge of new terminology. That rising sense...

Why more UK homeowners are delaying their next move

The UK housing market has entered an unprecedented period of stagnation, with transaction volumes plummeting to levels not seen since the financial crisis of...

The Office Providers Releases Salford Quays Office Space Directory As District Approaches Anniversary

Manchester office agency has published a Salford Quays workspace directory as the waterfront district approaches the 20th anniversary of the BBC choosing it as...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Why more UK homeowners are delaying their next move

The UK housing market has entered an unprecedented period of stagnation, with transaction volumes plummeting to levels not seen since the financial crisis of...

Corporate event catering in Manchester – Who does it best?

When it comes to planning a corporate event, one detail that makes a lasting impression is the catering. Whether you’re hosting a team meeting,...

Manchester corporate gift company setting the standard for ethical business

At a time when many companies are prioritising profit over purpose, one Manchester-based business is proving that ethics and enterprise can go hand in...

The Office Providers Releases Salford Quays Office Space Directory As District Approaches Anniversary

Manchester office agency has published a Salford Quays workspace directory as the waterfront district approaches the 20th anniversary of the BBC choosing it as...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...