High hopes as Wheatley leaves Red Bull: 'Benchmark in Formula 1'

The 2024 Formula 1 season has been one to forget for Sauber who, with only six races to go, have failed to score a single point. Before Jonathan Wheatley has even started his new role there, he already knows that being team boss at Sauber, which will change to Audi in 2026, is going to bring some challenges.

Despite a disappointing 2024 season, his future employer is delighted with Wheatley's arrival, who is moving over from Red Bull Racing where has he has worked in key roles for almost two decades. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the current Team Representative and the man whose position in the team is uncertain thanks to Wheatley's arrival, expects a lot from Wheatley.

"I can just judge Jonathan from outside, because I don't know him personally, but of course, we can see that he had a strong impact and contribution to the last 18 years of success at Red Bull," said the Italian. "Red Bull has been, and it’s still the benchmark in Formula 1 as a team, in terms of organisation, in terms of talents."

Sauber are hoping to benefit from Wheatley's wealth of Red Bull knowledge and experience. "And so I think that a person that has been at the, in one of the key role in this team can just bring positive contribution. And I expect that Jonathan will be leading our team together with Mattia. So for me, it's a positive, positive addition and we are looking forward to him next year."

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