Jonathan Wheatley will start working at Audi in July 2025

Red Bull's statement clearly took Audi management by surprise, after which they had to make a counter official announcement that Whitley would take up his new post in mid-summer next year. Until the end of this year, the British mechanic and Formula 1team manager will continue to serve as director of the Bulls team. At Red Bull, Whitley ensured that the team operated in accordance with FIA sporting rules and also monitored mass communications. Before this, the professional led the Red Bull pit team, which was considered one of the best in Formula 1. Now it's time for a change, and a new chapter for Whitley will begin at Audi. Wheatley will join Audi as its first team principal ahead of their 2026 campaign.

Whitley began his motorsport career at Benetton as a junior mechanic in the early 1990s. Fame came to him in a reputable team from Enstone. During Whitley's tenure with the Enostone team, the team won more than thirty Grand Prix and other important awards. However, after 2006, Whitley moved to Red Bull, and until now has held various positions there, rising to the very top. Now the CEO of Audi is convinced that with the invitation of Whitley the team will experience positive changes. With the appointment of Jonathan Whitley, Audi has confidently taken a decisive step forward towards its debut in Formula 1. Whitley's experience and skills will indeed soon serve the benefit of the new team, which has long been eager to enter Formula 1. In addition, Mattia Binotto has also been invited to a leadership position.  The Swiss and Italian engineer once headed Ferrari, so he will be a great colleague for Whitley – no less experienced and ambitious in the pursuit of high results.  

In addition, the team faces a number of other changes – Audi will produce its own powertrain as part of the next regulatory cycle, which will come into effect in the 2026 season. Audi bought a significant stake in Sauber a year ago, and the team's full name will be introduced in the 2026 season. These decisions will certainly raise the team to a new, much higher level, and the competencies of new specialists will come to the fore.