jonathan-wheatley-to-lead-kick-sauber-from-april

Kick Sauber have officially confirmed that Jonathan Wheatley will assume the role of Team Principal on 1 April 2025.

 

Wheatley, a highly experienced motorsport professional, previously served as Red Bull’s Sporting Director for nearly two decades. While his appointment was announced last August, the Swiss outfit had not disclosed an exact start date until now.

 

Wheatley’s tenure will begin just in time for the Japanese Grand Prix, his first race as Team Principal. He will work closely with Mattia Binotto, the team’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, as they prepare for a new chapter under Audi’s ownership, set to commence in the 2026 season.

 

Wheatley’s career in Formula 1 began in the early 1990s with Benetton, where he climbed the ranks to become Chief Mechanic. After the team transitioned into Renault, he remained a key figure before making the move to Red Bull Racing in 2006.

 

Over the years, he played a crucial role in Red Bull’s remarkable success, contributing to six Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ Championships.

 

As he embarks on this new challenge, Wheatley will report directly to Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.

 

The restructured leadership will see Wheatley and Binotto working in tandem, with both deemed “jointly responsible for the success of the racing team,” according to an official statement from the team.

 

Reflecting on his departure from Red Bull and his forthcoming role at Sauber, Wheatley expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm. “I am extremely proud to have been part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years and will leave with many fond memories,” he stated.

 

“However, the opportunity to play an active role in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to the challenge. I am also glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and who is the right person to collaborate with on this exciting project,” he added.

 

Wheatley’s appointment marks a significant moment for Kick Sauber as they transition into Audi’s works team. The 2025 season will also bring an all-new driver line-up, with German veteran Nico Hülkenberg and promising Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto replacing Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.