Audi take 'foothold' in F1 with Red Bull poaching

Audi feels it has now taken a "foothold" in F1 following the recruitment of Jonathan Wheatley as its new team principal.

After 18 years with Red Bull, significantly as the team's sporting director, Wheatley will take on the high-profile role of Audi team boss, working in partnership with its recently appointed COO and CTO, former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto.

In Wheatley, Audi claims it has signed "a further top-ranking expert for its ambitious F1 project" that is due to commence in just over 18 months when the German manufacturing giant makes its debut in motorsport's blue-riband event.

Audi is hoping Wheatley will be able to start his new role "by July 2025 at the latest". Red Bull has confirmed the 57-year-old will remain in his current role as sporting director through to the end of this season at least.

According to Audi, Wheatley's focus will "above all" be on "the racing performance of the future F1 factory team, on operational management of all race events, and on representing Audi at team principal level in matters relating to Formula 1".

On his appointment, Wheatley said: "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.

"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.“

Wheatley experience will prove invaluable

In forming Audi's dual management team, Binotto said: “I have known Jonathan for many years and rate him highly as an experienced and committed motorsport expert.

"2026 is not a long time away now, and I’m looking forward to setting up the new racing team for Audi along with Jonathan and leading it to success.“

Naturally expressing his delight in acquiring Wheatley's services, Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, feels the Briton's role in Red Bull's many title successes and his "extensive experience in the paddock" will ensure he becomes "a very valuable addition to our team".

Döllner added: “With the appointment of Jonathan and Matti,a we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into Formula 1.

“I am convinced that with the two of them, we have been able to combine an extremely high level of competence for Audi. Their experience and their ability will help us to get a foothold quickly in the tough competitive world of Formula 1.“