A number of hours after Pink 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 Nineteen Nineties at Benetton, the place he rose to turn out to be chief mechanic. He then moved to the newly based Pink Bull Racing group, the place has been profitable as Sporting Director. In his time at Pink Bull, Wheatley has been concerned in profitable all six constructors’ and 7 drivers’ titles.
Mattia Binotto and Wheatley will collectively head the brand new administration group at Sauber Motorsport AG. Of their new positions, each will report on to Gernot Dollner in his function as Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Sauber Motorsport AG. They may collectively take duty for the success of the racing group. There’s a clear division of duties, and duties have been individually outlined.
As COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto takes over the operative administration of Sauber Motorsport AG on the web site in Hinwil and the technical improvement of the longer term racing vehicles. On this function he’s the general technical interface between the event groups in Hinwil and Audi System Racing GmbH on the Audi web site in Neuburg an der Donau, which is accountable for improvement of the ability unit.
By July 2025 on the newest – Wheatley will full Audi’s new administration group for System 1 within the function of Crew Principal and administration spokesperson. He’ll focus above all on the racing efficiency of the longer term F1 manufacturing unit group, on operational administration of all race occasions, and on representing Audi at Crew-Principal stage in issues regarding System 1.
The choice in favour of a twin administration group is a part of the realignment of the management construction of the longer term manufacturing unit group within the context of the total takeover of all shares within the Sauber Group by Audi. “With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we’ve got taken a decisive step in the direction of our entry into System 1,” mentioned Dollner. “I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, we’ve got been capable of mix a particularly excessive stage of competence for Audi. Their expertise and their capacity will assist us to get a foothold rapidly within the powerful aggressive world of System 1.”
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Pink Bull Racing journey over the past eighteen years and can go away with many fond recollections,” added Wheatley. “Nevertheless, the chance to play an lively half in Audi’s entry into System 1 as head of a manufacturing unit group 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 best particular person to collaborate with on this thrilling venture.”
“I’ve recognized Jonathan for a few years and fee him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport skilled,” mentioned Binotto. “2026 isn’t a very long time away now, and I am trying ahead to organising the brand new racing group for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”
