Red Bull Faces Major Shake-Up as Key Team Boss Exits, Sauber Prepares for Audi Era

Red Bull Racing is bracing for another wave of significant changes as Jonathan Wheatley, a pivotal figure within the team, departs to join Sauber as their team principal. This transition marks a critical moment for both Red Bull and Sauber, as the latter prepares for its transformation into the Audi Formula 1 team ahead of the 2026 season.

Wheatley’s move comes amidst a period of turbulence for Red Bull, whose dominance in Formula 1 faced challenges in 2024. Despite Max Verstappen clinching the drivers’ championship, the team finished third in the constructors’ standings, trailing behind McLaren and Ferrari. The setback has been compounded by the exits of other influential personnel, including design guru Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, signaling a significant reshuffle within the Milton Keynes-based team.

Wheatley’s tenure at Red Bull spanned an impressive 19 seasons, during which he played a crucial role in shaping the team’s success. His departure signals a fresh chapter in his career, as he steps into the role of team principal for Sauber in 2025. This transition comes at a strategic time, as the team gears up for Audi’s full entry into the sport. Audi’s arrival will bring not only a new power unit but also fresh aspirations to elevate Sauber’s competitiveness after a dismal 2024 season, where they finished last in the constructors’ standings.

The timing of Wheatley’s appointment aligns with the introduction of the 2026 regulations, which are expected to redefine the sport. Sauber aims to position itself as a formidable contender in the new era, and the addition of Wheatley, alongside veteran driver Nico Hülkenberg and promising Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, underscores their commitment to rejuvenation and ambition.

Meanwhile, Sauber’s current team representative and acting principal, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, will step down later this month, as confirmed by a statement from Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s chief technical officer and former Ferrari boss. Binotto expressed gratitude for Alunni Bravi’s contributions, highlighting his leadership during challenging and transformative periods for the team. Alunni Bravi’s exit paves the way for Wheatley to take charge and lead the team into an exciting future under Audi’s banner.

The reshuffling within Sauber comes as Audi’s foray into Formula 1 generates anticipation. As a new entrant and power unit manufacturer, Audi’s collaboration with Sauber promises to bring fresh energy to the grid. The team’s immediate challenge lies in capitalizing on the 2025 season to build momentum before the Audi era begins.

For Red Bull, the departure of such a key figure raises questions about the team’s internal stability. While Red Bull has maintained a competitive edge in recent years, the cumulative impact of losing high-profile personnel could test their ability to sustain their dominance. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has downplayed concerns, emphasizing the team’s resilience and long-term planning. However, the challenges of navigating a competitive field, coupled with the pressure of retaining top talent, will undoubtedly be a focal point for the team moving forward.

As Formula 1 heads into a transformative period, the shifting dynamics between teams like Red Bull and Sauber highlight the ever-evolving nature of the sport. Wheatley’s transition to Sauber, combined with Audi’s entry, signals an exciting new chapter for fans and teams alike, setting the stage for a more competitive and unpredictable grid in the years to come.