Wheatley to join Sauber at Japanese GP as team principal

Sauber has confirmed that former Red Bull Racing sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will assume his new responsibilities with the Swiss outfit from next month’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The Briton’s transfer from Milton Keynes to Hinwil was announced last August, although Sauber did not provide at the time a specific starting date for its new team principal.

In his pivotal role, Wheatley will join forces with Sauber’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto to steer the team’s management.

Together, they’ll answer directly to Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Directors, as Audi gears up to transform Sauber into its official factory outfit starting in 2026. It’s a bold move for the German automaker, and Wheatley’s arrival signals big ambitions.

A Journey Through F1’s Ranks

Wheatley’s Formula 1 story began in the early ‘90s at Benetton, where he started as a mechanic and worked his way up to Chief Mechanic, staying on as the team evolved into Renault.

In 2006, he took his skills to Red Bull Racing, where he thrived as Sporting Director, helping secure six Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles.

Now, he’s trading that legacy for a fresh challenge at Sauber. A press release from Kick Sauber noted that Wheatley and Binotto will be “jointly responsible for the success of the racing team,” operating within a framework that assigns each distinct responsibilities.

Reflecting on his move, Wheatley said, “I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years and will leave with many fond memories.

“However, the opportunity to play an active part in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“Also I am glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and who is the right person to collaborate with in this exciting project.”

Building for the Future

Wheatley’s partnership with Binotto is a cornerstone of Audi’s vision for Sauber. The duo’s leadership comes at a transformative moment, with Sauber rolling into 2025 with a revamped driver lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg from Germany and Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto.

The team bid farewell to Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu at the end of 2024, signaling a full reset.

With Wheatley and Binotto at the helm, Sauber isn’t just preparing for Audi’s takeover – it’s laying the groundwork for a competitive resurgence, blending experience with a hunger for success.

Read also: Sauber transition reportedly ‘not going particularly smoothly’

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