Hinwil, Switzerland – Audi’s Formula 1 Ambitions Accelerate with High-Profile Appointments
Audi has officially announced Jonathan Wheatley as the Team Principal of its forthcoming Formula 1 factory team, a significant move following the recent appointment of Mattia Binotto. Together, Wheatley and Binotto will lead the management team at Sauber Motorsport AG, reinforcing Audi’s commitment to establishing a formidable presence in the competitive world of Formula 1.
Strategic Appointments Strengthen Audi’s Formula 1 Aspirations
In a strategic move to bolster its Formula 1 project, Audi has secured Jonathan Wheatley, a veteran with a storied career in the sport. “I am delighted that we have been able to gain Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal for our future Formula 1 team,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “Jonathan’s extensive experience and success in Formula 1 make him a valuable addition to our team.”
Wheatley, who began his career in the early 1990s at Benetton Formula One and later thrived as Sporting Director at Red Bull Racing, brings a wealth of experience to Audi. His tenure at Red Bull Racing included involvement in winning six Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ World Championships.
Dual Leadership Model to Drive Success
The dual leadership model at Sauber Motorsport AG will see Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley working closely together. Binotto, appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO), will manage operations at Sauber’s Hinwil site and oversee technical development. He will act as the primary technical liaison between the development teams in Hinwil and Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg an der Donau.
Wheatley, who will assume his role by July 2025 at the latest, will focus on the racing performance of the future F1 factory team, operational management of race events, and representing Audi at the Team Principal level. “The opportunity to lead Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is uniquely exciting, and I look forward to the challenge,” Wheatley said.
A Vision for 2026 and Beyond
The appointments of Wheatley and Binotto mark a significant step in Audi’s Formula 1 journey, particularly as the company moves towards full ownership of the Sauber Group. “With Jonathan and Mattia, we have combined an extremely high level of competence for Audi,” Döllner remarked. “Their experience and ability will help us quickly gain a foothold in the tough competitive world of Formula 1.”
Mattia Binotto expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert. I look forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.”
As Audi gears up for its official entry into Formula 1 in 2026, the combined expertise of Binotto and Wheatley promises a bright and competitive future for the team.
