'Wheatley is also finished and is about to leave Red Bull'
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Rumors
- Nicole Mulder
After Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is also said to be reconsidering his future at Red Bull Racing. According to The Times, the pit stop guru has big ambitions and could be the next key staff member to leave the Austrian Formula One team.
'After Newey, Wheatley also wants to leave Red Bull'
The British Medium reports that Wheatley is in contact with other F1 teams. He is said to have ambitions to become team boss, a goal that is not within reach at Red Bull as long as Christian Horner stays on. He is said to have inquired with other teams about that possibility. If he leaves, the 56-year-old Briton would be the next key staff member to part ways with the team.
Wheatley, like Newey, has been with Red Bull Racing since 2006. As sporting director, he is responsible for the performance of the pit stop crew, which year after year set the fastest pit stops in the sport. The crew's latest feat is the double stop of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who both made a stop in just 3.95 seconds at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Since Newey's announcement, some have feared a mass exodus at Red Bull. Also, not everyone believes Verstappen will complete his contract that expires in 2028. Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff indicated in a rare interview that he expects Verstappen to stay, but that there is a crucial factor to keep the Dutchman in place.