From Cradle to Champion: Jonathan Wheatley Witnessed Max Verstappen‘s Journey Up Close
While chaos swirls around him, Jonathan Wheatley smiles. Here, in the guesthouse of Stake F1/Sauber, it’s lunchtime. Mechanics and staff are enjoying their break, but Wheatley’s mind is elsewhere—far from the buffet. With a wink, he quips, “Hungry… That reminds me of Max.”
Hungry for success, the 58-year-old Englishman implies. Wheatley happily shares his connection with Verstappen, having watched him grow up. Jos Verstappen, with whom Wheatley had previously worked, often brought his young son to the racetrack.
Wheatley fondly recalls shaking hands with Max Verstappen at the Energy Station of Red Bull Racing. “That was around 2007 or 2008. Jos introduced me to him. So, I’ve known Max for a long time.” Back then, no one could have predicted that the young Verstappen would become a multiple world champion. “But he already stood out,” Wheatley insists. Not through words, perhaps, but the young Verstappen had an endearing quality, something almost elusive, according to the Brit.
‘A Driver You Rarely Encounter’
Wheatley doesn’t often use superlatives, but he makes an exception for Verstappen. The current team principal of Sauber and the Audi project recognized the Dutchman’s talent in karting, Formula 3, and during his turbulent early years in Formula 1. “Max is a driver you rarely encounter. Unique in his kind; in my eyes, he is the ultimate driver. It was a privilege to work with him at Red Bull Racing. And it’s also a privilege to call him a friend.”
This speaks volumes about the bond between the Verstappen family and Wheatley; he is also friends with Jos. Meanwhile, Verstappen Jr. continues to impress Wheatley as a Formula 1 driver, even without direct collaboration this season. Their connection remains strong. “I still send Max a message now and then, especially when he wins. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the right words. He is just so masterful in what he does and how he does it: a fantastic driver.”
Wheatley Praises Verstappen: A Journey from Boy to Champion
The Englishman has witnessed Max Verstappen grow over the decades—transforming from a boy into a man, from a talent into a world champion. “I am incredibly proud to have worked with him. I feel I’ve contributed to his development into, in my opinion, the best Formula 1 driver we’ve ever seen,” he declared.
A Remarkable Compliment
This isn’t just any compliment; it’s a significant statement. Wheatley has been in Formula 1 since the 1990s, observing generations of top drivers. He’s worked with many, yet Verstappen stands out above the rest.
However, comparing drivers throughout the entire history of Formula 1 is no easy task. Who was better: Verstappen, Fangio, Senna, Schumacher, or Lewis Hamilton?
Wheatley shakes his head. “No,” he says, “comparison is nearly impossible. You mention a few names, and I’d throw in Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart. But whoever you choose, it’s tough to compare. Each era has its own legends.” He raises a finger. “Some drivers are legends that transcend time. Max belongs to that category.”
Jonathan Wheatley on Max Verstappen: A Passionate Obsession
“Max is always racing; he has that ultimate passion,” says Jonathan Wheatley, former team manager at Red Bull Racing. What sets Verstappen apart from the rest? It’s simple: an obsession, in the best sense of the word. “Max is involved, he’s all in, always focused on racing. If he’s not in the car, he’s in a simulator. And if he’s not in a simulator, he’s driving on the Nürburgring. Always racing; he has that ultimate passion. Coupled with extraordinary talent, that’s what makes him so good and driven.”
The Constant Evolution of Verstappen
This obsession explains Verstappen’s relentless evolution. He didn’t see his first world title as the end of a journey but as a stepping stone to more. And more came—titles two, three, and four! Wheatley played a crucial role in this success during their time together at Red Bull Racing.
However, their successful partnership came to an end when Wheatley decided to heed the alluring call of Audi, where he will help shape the future alongside CEO Mattia Binotto. First, he’ll be with Sauber this season, then he’ll head into Audi’s entry into the motorsport elite in 2026.
Will Their Paths Cross Again?
Will Verstappen and Wheatley ever work together again? The smile on Wheatley’s face says it all. “We have a friendship, a bond, and a professional relationship. I would love to work with him again. Maybe in the future, who knows? In Formula 1, anything can happen; that’s what I’ve learned in my career.”
Maintaining Friendships in a Competitive World
Despite the cutthroat nature of Formula 1, it’s not surprising that friendships blossom in this tight-knit community. “I find it easy to maintain friendships,” Wheatley shares. “I’m an open person, I always keep my word, and I trust others. When you treat each other this way, friendships can develop with anyone.”
These traits—“a man, a man, and a word, a word”—also describe Jos and Max Verstappen. It’s no wonder Wheatley has such a strong bond with both Dutchmen. He gets along well with Jos too. “I see Jos as a friend. We can eat together, laugh, and critique each other—so long as we know where the line is between personal and professional. That works with Jos, Max, and me.”
A Special Place in His Heart
Most of Wheatley’s current colleagues have enjoyed a hearty meal at Sauber, but what remains is the conclusion that Max Verstappen will always hold a special place in Wheatley’s heart, just like Jos Verstappen. “Fast drivers, passion for motorsport and Formula 1,” he lists. “But above all, they’re great people. Love it.”
