F1 News: Red Bull Loses Key Director To New Rival Team

Red Bull Racing has officially announced the departure of Jonathan Wheatley, a pivotal figure in their operations, who is set to take on the role of Team Principal at Audi's burgeoning Formula 1 team. Wheatley, who has been with Red Bull for over 18 years, and contributed significantly as both Team Manager and Sporting Director, will leave behind a legacy marked by multiple championship wins.

Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner, praised Wheatley's long-term contributions, stating, as quoted by Planet F1:

"It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years. His contribution to six World Constructors’ Titles and seven World Drivers’ Championship, first as Team Manager and latterly Sporting Director will forever be a marker in our Team history."

Jonathan Wheatley will continue in his role at Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2024 season, supporting the team's efforts to defend the World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ Titles once more. Horner outlined the planned transition, noting:

"Jonathan will remain in his position until the end of the 2024 season, as the Team seek to defend both our World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ Titles successfully. A period of guarding leave will follow in 2025.

"Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology wish him all the best in his new role and would like to place our thanks to Jonathan. Red Bull Racing have tremendous strength and depth and this provides opportunity to elevate others within the Team. We will announce a new Team structure in the coming weeks."

Wheatley will serve as the team principal for the Audi Formula 1 team. This comes after former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto was confirmed as the German team's Chief Technical Officer.