Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has revealed that the team will look to an internal solution to replace Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley when he departs.
Red Bull made the surprise announcement on Thursday that long-serving individual Wheatley will step down once this campaign ends to lead Audi’s nascent F1 team.
The Briton, 57, has been aligned with Red Bull since 2006, during which time he has helped the team clinch seven Drivers’ titles and six Constructors’ Championships.
However, Wheatley has chosen to leave to pastures new and take up the exciting chance to be installed as Audi’s Team Principal once it enters the series come 2026.
Audi will venture into F1 for the first time as a works operation once new technical regulations are introduced in 2026, replacing the team which is branded as Sauber.
Wheatley will remain in his current role until the ongoing season concludes as Red Bull bids to protect its advantage in both championships with 10 rounds remaining.
But Horner has divulged that a revised team arrangement will be announced in the “coming weeks” as Red Bull opts to continue its tradition of promoting from within.
“It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years,” Horner said.
“His contribution to six World Constructors’ Titles and seven World Drivers’ Championships, first as Team Manager and, latterly, Sporting Director will forever be a marker in our team history.
“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 has tremendous strength and depth and this provides an opportunity to elevate others within the team.
“We will announce a new team structure in the coming weeks.”
Wheatley has become the second senior name at Red Bull to have an impeding exit on the horizon as design guru Adrian Newey is scheduled to leave in March 2025.
Back then, Horner echoed his latest public statement as he explained that Red Bull has cultivated an environment where it is prepared to evolve its working structure.
“We’ve always had evolution in our team, nothing stays still,” Horner highlighted in China in April. “Nothing stays still forever, but we’ve had tremendous continuity.
“Paul Monaghan collected the trophy [in China] and has been with us for 19 years.
“We’ve always enjoyed great stability but, at the same time, have continued to develop great talent within the team.
“If you think of engineers like Rocky [Guillaume Rocquelin], who won all those championships with Sebastian [Vettel] – he still works with the team.
“He’s on a different project but he’s still within our company. Simon Rennie still works for the team.
“There are many engineers and designers. We have always had tremendous stability but, of course, it’s not just about one or two individuals, it’s about the collective.”
Wheatley, who will be put on gardening leave, will partner ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, who has been appointed Sauber’s Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer.
“I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years and will leave with many fond memories,” Wheatley expressed.
“However, the opportunity to play an active part 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.
“Also, I am glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and who is the right person to collaborate with in this exciting project.”
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