Jonathan Wheatley, current team principal of Sauber, reflects positively on his time at Red Bull under former team principal Christian Horner. The Briton worked with the Austrian team since 2006 and thus witnessed all fourteen of their world championship victories up close. According to Wheatley, what Horner achieved at Red Bull was ‘extraordinary’, although he is also pleased that his ‘good friends’ Laurent Mekies and Alan Permane are now able to take the next step in their careers.
In early July, the decision was made at Red Bull: the Austrian racing team immediately dismissed Christian Horner as team principal. Laurent Mekies was allowed to take over the reins immediately. Jonathan Wheatley – who as sporting director at Red Bull experienced Horner up close – reflects on the Briton’s departure.
“When I look back, I had an amazing period of nineteen years at Red Bull,” Wheatley tells Sky F1. During his time with the Austrians, the team won no less than fourteen championships – six constructors’ titles, four drivers’ titles for Sebastian Vettel and four drivers’ titles for Max Verstappen. “Look at what Christian achieved there as a leader. That’s extraordinary. No one can deny that. What we achieved as a team was extraordinary.”
‘Happy for Max’
A few weeks after Horner’s departure, Verstappen confirmed that he will stay with the Austrian racing team. Wheatley is pleased with the four-time world champion’s choice for Red Bull. “I have enjoyed every second of Max’s journey with great pleasure. I’m happy for him that he feels comfortable and is motivated to continue,” the Briton continues. “In addition, two good friends of mine have been able to take the next step in their careers as a result. Alan Permane, we’ve known each other for about 34 years, is now team principal at Racing Bulls. And of course, Laurent got the chance to become CEO and team principal at Red Bull.”
