Jonathan Wheatley will join Sauber, who will become Audi in 2026, as early as this season. The former Sporting Director at Red Bull Racing was already confirmed at his new team last season, but due to 'gardening leave', it was still uncertain when exactly the new team boss would step in. Sauber has since clarified this.
Sauber announce Wheatley's start
While he will begin working as Stake F1 Team's new team boss on the 1st April, Sauber have announced that Wheatley will make his race debut with his new team at the Japanese Grand Prix from the 4th to 6th April.
For many years, Wheatley worked at Red Bull Racing. As Sporting Director, he was instrumental in Max Verstappen's championships, where he was also involved in winning the constructors' championship, which was won by the Austrian racing team in 2022 and 2023.
As Sauber will become Audi in 2026, alongside the former Team Principal of Ferrari Mattia Binotto, Wheatley will be a critical personnel member in ensuring that the team’s transition will be smooth.
This article has been created in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut.
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