The dramatic and surprising departure of Jonathan Wheatley has left the Audi F1 staff in a precarious place simply two races into the brand new season.
Lower than a yr after being appointed staff principal, Wheatley left the staff with rapid impact, with Audi citing “private causes” as the explanation for his sudden departure.
The 58-year-old Briton has been approached by Aston Martin and is closely concerned within the function of staff boss on the Silverstone-based outfit.
Wheatley’s sudden departure, which nobody anticipated, blindsided Audi. Wheatley confirmed no indicators of dissatisfaction and appeared absolutely dedicated to the venture.
The break up raised numerous query marks surrounding Audi’s nascent F1 enterprise.
What prompted Wheatley to step down from a job he loved? Why would he depart a thriving staff and doubtlessly be part of a struggling rival? What occurred behind the scenes and what’s going to it do to Audi?
It’s understood that one among Wheatley’s most important causes for leaving was his need to return to life within the UK together with his spouse, having moved to Switzerland when he joined the staff. Wheatley beforehand spent 18 years with Pink Bull and was primarily based within the UK.
Wheatley’s surprising loss continues the current theme of administration shake-up and turmoil, simply when it appeared like Audi was lastly gaining some stability and a transparent management route.
Jonathan Wheatley, Audi, China F1 2026
©XPB Photos
The previous Sauber staff has been on a administration merry-go-round because the finish of 2022, with no less than 4 structural modifications, with the third coming in lower than two years.
Fred Vasseur led the Hinwil-based group from 2017 till becoming a member of Ferrari in 2023, adopted by the duo of Alessandro Bravi and Andreas Seidl, who have been then alternately led by Bravi and Audi’s F1 venture director Mattia Binotto. Wheatley will be part of the staff in 2025 and can work underneath Binotto as official staff principal.
Solely Alpine has had extra staff bosses up to now decade.
Lengthy-term “Sauber drawback” leaves Audi again to sq. one
In the intervening time, former Ferrari boss Binotto will tackle extra duties as staff principal. Audi would not seem to have any plans to immediately change Wheatley, no less than within the quick time period.
The staff was caught off guard by the timing of Wheatley’s choice to resign. It was halfway via a two-week hiatus between video games two and three of the 2026 season in China and Japan.
Audi legend Alan McNish, presently director of the German model’s driver improvement program and former Method E staff boss, was an early candidate for the function. Audi is presently engaged on a stopgap reset that ought to no less than present short-term stability.
“Because the Audi Revolt F1 Staff continues its journey to the entrance of the grid, we’re implementing important modifications to our senior administration construction,” an Audi staff assertion mentioned.
“Resulting from private causes, Jonathan Wheatley has determined to go away the staff with rapid impact. The staff want to thank Jonathan for his contributions to the venture and need him properly in his future endeavors.”
“Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 venture, will proceed to guide the staff, taking up extra duties as staff principal. Since becoming a member of the venture management in 2024, Mattia has been accountable for the staff’s transformation as Audi prepares for and in the end enters Method 1 as a producer of chassis and energy items.”
“The longer term construction of the staff will probably be absolutely outlined at a later stage because the group continues to adapt to F1’s evolving setting. With Audi AG’s unwavering dedication, the Audi Revolt F1 Staff will proceed to maneuver ahead in the direction of its championship problem till 2030.”
Former Ferrari boss Binotto takes over as staff principal
Wheatley’s resignation underscores the long-standing challenges Sauber faces in attracting high British expertise to stay and work in Switzerland. Individuals hardly ever keep for lengthy, and even the launch of a brand new UK-based engineering hub did not forestall Mr Wheatley from turning into the newest superstar.
Regardless of how Audi portrays it, Wheatley’s departure is definitely a serious setback for a venture at a vital stage in its rebuilding section.
Audi have made clear progress within the 11 months since Wheatley joined the staff, rising to ninth place and scoring 70 factors in his ultimate yr underneath the Sauber identify.
Wheatley left his reborn staff in eighth place within the constructors’ championship two races into the brand new season as Gabriel Bortleto completed ninth within the Australian Grand Prix.
Audi has set its sights on successful the world championship by 2030, and Wheatley was to be central to that ambition.
As a substitute, Wheatley should take a interval of “gardening depart” earlier than becoming a member of the remainder of the staff, however will doubtless lead the rivals in the direction of a really related purpose.
