Red Bull agreement with Sauber: Wheatley starts earlier at Swiss team
Red Bull Content Pool
Rumors
- Ludo van Denderen
Following his departure from Red Bull Racing, Jonathan Wheatley is currently sitting at home enjoying his so-called gardening leave. According to earlier plans, the Briton was due to start as Sauber's team boss on 1 July. However, The Race reports that the two teams have agreed on an earlier start for Wheatley at the Swiss.
Wheatley can reportedly start his new duties as early as April 1st. That means he could be at the Sauber's pit wall for the first time at the third Grand Prix of the season in Japan. The move only awaits official confirmation from Sauber and Red Bull.
Wheatley was Red Bull Racing's sporting director for many years. The Briton is seen as one of the driving forces behind Max Verstappen's world titles in recent years. Wheatley always had a dream of one day serving as team boss. As that opportunity failed to materialise at Red Bull, he decided to make his move to Sauber last year.
Sauber's new structure
At the Hinwil based team, Wheatley will work in a fairly new structure, including Mattia Binotto as COO and CTO. Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced that Alessandro Alunni Bravi will step down as Sauber's team representative at the end of January. He performed the duties of team boss last season, without officially holding that position.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels too!