A number of hours after Crimson Bull broke the information, Audi has confirmed that Jonathan Wheatley is to be its Crew Principal.
Wheatley’s profession in System 1 began again within the early Nineties at Benetton, the place he rose to turn out to be chief mechanic. He then moved to the newly based Crimson Bull Racing workforce, the place has been profitable as Sporting Director. In his time at Crimson Bull, Wheatley has been concerned in successful all six constructors’ and 7 drivers’ titles.
Mattia Binotto and Wheatley will collectively head the brand new administration workforce at Sauber Motorsport AG. Of their new positions, each will report on to Gernot Dollner in his position as Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Sauber Motorsport AG. They are going to collectively take accountability for the success of the racing workforce. There’s a clear division of duties, and tasks have been individually outlined.
As COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto takes over the operative administration of Sauber Motorsport AG on the website in Hinwil and the technical growth of the long run racing automobiles. On this position he’s the general technical interface between the event groups in Hinwil and Audi System Racing GmbH on the Audi website in Neuburg an der Donau, which is accountable for growth of the ability unit.
By July 2025 on the newest – Wheatley will full Audi’s new administration workforce for System 1 within the position of Crew Principal and administration spokesperson. He’ll focus above all on the racing efficiency of the long run F1 manufacturing facility workforce, on operational administration of all race occasions, and on representing Audi at Crew-Principal stage in issues referring to System 1.
The choice in favour of a twin administration workforce is a part of the realignment of the management construction of the long run manufacturing facility workforce within the context of the total takeover of all shares within the Sauber Group by Audi. “With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia now we have taken a decisive step in the direction of our entry into System 1,” stated Dollner. “I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, now we have been in a position to mix an especially excessive stage of competence for Audi. Their expertise and their capacity will assist us to get a foothold rapidly within the robust aggressive world of System 1.”
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Crimson Bull Racing journey over the past eighteen years and can depart with many fond reminiscences,” added Wheatley. “Nonetheless, the chance to play an lively half in Audi’s entry into System 1 as head of a manufacturing facility workforce is a uniquely thrilling prospect, and I’m trying ahead to the problem.
“Additionally I’m glad to be working along with Mattia, whom I’ve recognized for a few years and who’s the correct particular person to collaborate with on this thrilling challenge.”
“I’ve recognized Jonathan for a few years and fee him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport knowledgeable,” stated Binotto. “2026 just isn’t a very long time away now, and I am trying ahead to organising the brand new racing workforce for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”