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Horner Reveals Support for Wheatley Exit as Red Bull Faces Major Changes
Red Bull Racing is bracing for significant transitions as the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off. With several high-profile changes on the horizon, including the final year of their partnership with Honda and a revamped driver lineup, the team is also preparing for key personnel departures. Among these changes is the exit of sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who is set to take on the role of team principal at the Audi F1 project in 2026.
Wheatley, who has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success, is now on gardening leave, a period during which he is restricted from working for his new team, Sauber (transitioning to Audi in 2026). Despite the loss, Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has revealed that he not only supported Wheatley’s decision to leave but actively encouraged it.
In a candid statement, Horner explained that he viewed the Audi F1 offer as a significant career opportunity for Wheatley. “I’m sure he’ll be an asset to Sauber,” Horner shared with RacingNews365. “The role of team principal varies across teams, but it’s predominantly focused on trackside operations. A lot will depend on his dynamic with Mattia [Binotto].”
Horner acknowledged Wheatley’s long-standing ambition to step into a team principal role. “This is something he has been eager to pursue for quite some time. When the opportunity arose, I encouraged him to go for it. It’s a chance he couldn’t pass up, and I told him he would regret it if he didn’t seize it.”
While the move marks a significant change for Red Bull, Horner also sees it as an opportunity to promote talent from within the organization. “It’s a great chance for others at Red Bull to step up. This transition is not just a positive move for Wheatley but also opens doors for growth within our team.”
Red Bull’s reshuffle extends beyond management. After parting ways with Sergio Perez, the team has promoted junior driver Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 season. These adjustments, coupled with Adrian Newey’s departure and Honda’s exit after 2025, signal a new era for the reigning champions as they adapt to an evolving Formula 1 landscape.
With Wheatley’s new chapter on the horizon and Horner’s backing, Red Bull aims to maintain its competitive edge while fostering fresh leadership and talent.
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