Verstappen replies as Red Bull lose another key F1 figure

Max Verstappen has stated he is unfazed by the loss of Jonathan Wheatley from Red Bull Racing.

Wheatley will exit his sporting director role at the squad at the conclusion of the campaign, having played an instrumental part in the team's success during its history.

The Briton will take on the team principal position of the Audi F1 team, which will join the grid in 2026.

Wheatley is the second key Red Bull figure whose exit has been announced this year following Adrian Newey's decision to step away from his chief technical officer position.

Following Wheatley's choice to join a rival squad, Verstappen asserted there is no resentment from his side.

“Of course, you hear about it even before [these] things get announced,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. 

“But at the end of the day, I have a great relationship with Jonathan and it always will be like that anyway, even if he's moving to a different team. 

“But it's a different opportunity for him and also a different role and sometimes it's also a bit of a new challenge. So there are no hard feelings or whatever.”

Red Bull will 'move on' from major departures

Wheatley has long been seen as the potential successor to Christian Horner at Red Bull, who has held the team principal job since the squad's inception in the mid-2000s.

The 57-year-old has been integral to Red Bull's on-track triumphs, handling responsibilities ranging from the record-setting Red Bull pit stop crew to communications with the FIA.

Despite the loss, Verstappen asserted the team will move on without his expertise.

“I'm happy for him, that he gets that opportunity,” Verstappen added. 

“Of course he will be missed within the team but as a team we also have to look at the future and move on from that.

“We still have to see how we're going to fill in all the roles that Jonathan currently has. But I'm also happy for him. It goes both ways.  

“The team is also very thankful for what he has delivered for the team. So there are no hard feelings at all.”