In just over two months, Audi will be racing a Formula 1 car for the first time, and Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley is already looking ahead – with a clear wish: Max Verstappen. The Brit admitted that he would like to see the Dutchman in an Audi. “What kind of team boss would I be if I didn’t want that?” said Wheatley with a smile.
Wheatley, a key figure at Red Bull for many years, guided Verstappen in his early steps in Formula 1 and played a role in all four of his world championships to date. This long-term collaboration has led to a close bond between the Brit and the Dutchman. “Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car,” Wheatley said with a smile. “What kind of team boss would I be if I didn’t want that? I’m fortunate to have been friends with Max for a long time, but also with his father Jos and his manager Raymond. Such a friendship grows because you are always honest and never break the trust you have built,” Wheatley explains. “But honesty alone is not enough to link Verstappen to an F1 seat at Audi right now.”
Champion by 2030
The goal is clear: Audi wants to compete for the championship by 2030. “We want to fight with teams like McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull,” says Wheatley. “Those teams have been around for a long time, have achieved many successes, and have excellent people in their organization. I’m not saying we don’t have that, but we still need to reach that level. If someone misses a race, there must be someone ready who is just as talented.”
According to Wheatley, the ambitious goal is achievable. “Audi’s investment is fantastic, and the goal of competing for the championship in 2030 is aggressive, but in my eyes, certainly achievable.” Although Wheatley can’t offer Verstappen a contract yet, he makes no secret of his desire. It seems only a matter of time – and results – before Audi can seriously join the conversation about the Dutchman.
