Audi has announced Red Bull Racing’s Sporting Director, Jonathan Wheatley, as the Team Principal of its F1 side set for debut in 2026.

Wheatley’s announcement comes days after Audi revealing former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto as the new team’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer.

Wheatley kicked off his Formula One career with Benetton serving as their Chief Mechanic before joining Red Bull Racing. He’s currently the Austrian team’s Sporting Director and will leave at the end of the ongoing season. 

Speaking about joining Audi, Jonathan Wheatley commented:

“I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last eighteen 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.“

Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport AG, added:

“I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert. 2026 is not a long time away now, and I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.“

Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to gain Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal for our future Formula 1 team. Jonathan has played a major part in many Formula 1 race victories and World Championship titles in his Formula 1 career so far, and has extensive experience in the paddock. He is a very valuable addition to our team.“

Christian Horner, Team Principal Red Bull Racing, commented:

“It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. His contribution to six World Constructors’ Titles and seven World Drivers’ Championship, first as Team Manager and latterly Sporting Director will forever be a marker in our Team history.“