Jonathan Wheatley, the sporting director of Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, is set to leave after Adrian Newey. The 57-year-old Brit is taking on a new challenge as the team boss of the upcoming Audi project. Wheatley has served the Austrian racing team for over eighteen years, but this season with the Milton Keynes-based team will be his last.
Jonathan Wheatley joined Red Bull in 2006 after several years with Renault’s Formula 1 team. The Brit started his career as a team manager and climbed the ranks to become the sporting director of the Red Bulls in eighteen years. He is now a familiar face in the paddock and is considered one of the architects of Red Bull’s success. This collaboration will end this year – after 2024, he is preparing for the so-called ‘gardening leave’ before joining Audi.
Christian Horner Reflects on Jonathan Wheatley’s Impact on Red Bull
Team boss and CEO, Christian Horner, has expressed that Red Bull had a ‘long and successful relationship’ with Jonathan Wheatley. “His contribution to six constructors’ world titles and seven drivers’ world titles, first as team manager and later as sporting director, will forever be a milestone in our team history,” said Horner.
Adrian Newey’s Departure from Red Bull
With Wheatley’s departure, there seems to be a significant exodus at Red Bull. Top designer Adrian Newey chose to step down from his duties in May. Whether the aerodynamics guru will join another team is debatable. Aston Martin currently appears to have the best chance of contracting Newey, although retirement is also a possibility for the 65-year-old Brit.
