BREAKING: F1 Team Boss Exit Announced as Red Bull Chief Prepa

F1 Team Boss Exit Announced as Red Bull Chief Prepares for Major Move

Red Bull Racing is experiencing a significant shake-up as one of its top figures prepares to leave the team, following news of a surprising exit by another Formula 1 team principal. Red Bull, having to contend with multiple high-profile departures, is looking to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in the constructors’ championship.

Despite the challenges they faced with their 2024 car, Max Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of the drivers’ championship was unaffected. However, Red Bull could only manage third place in the constructors’ standings, finishing behind McLaren and Ferrari. The turbulence surrounding Red Bull’s management during the season played a part in the team’s struggles, with Christian Horner’s future as team principal being a source of uncertainty.

The departure of key figures like design legend Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley further complicated matters for the team. Wheatley, a long-serving member of the Red Bull camp, has now left the team to pursue a new opportunity, concluding an incredible 19-season journey with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Wheatley to Lead Sauber in 2025

Jonathan Wheatley, a central figure in Red Bull’s dominance over the past two decades, has decided to take on a fresh challenge in Formula 1. He is set to become the new team principal at Sauber, the team currently owned by the Swiss-based company that will be taken over by Audi in the near future. Wheatley will assume the role by July 2025, just ahead of the sweeping changes brought by the 2026 regulations.

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is one of the most anticipated developments in the sport. The German car manufacturer will not only take control of the Sauber team but will also become a power unit supplier, making 2026 a pivotal year for the team. With the arrival of a new engine formula, Audi’s first steps into F1 are expected to be closely watched, and Wheatley will be a crucial figure in guiding the team through the transition period.

For the 2025 season, Sauber sees this as an opportunity to prepare themselves for Audi’s takeover. The team struggled in 2024, finishing last in the constructors’ standings, but they are hoping to reverse their fortunes. With Wheatley at the helm, alongside veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg and newly crowned Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, the Sauber outfit is aiming for a significant improvement in performance.

Alunni Bravi to Exit Sauber

As Wheatley prepares to join Sauber, the team has confirmed that Alessandro Alunni Bravi, their current team representative and acting team principal for 2024, will be leaving his role later this month. Alunni Bravi had been with the team through various phases of its development and was instrumental in steering the squad through challenging periods.

Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team boss and current chief technical officer at Sauber, expressed his appreciation for Alunni Bravi’s contributions. In an official statement, Binotto praised Alunni Bravi for his dedication and leadership during his time with the team.

“Having worked closely with him in the months since my arrival to Hinwil, I want to pay tribute to Alessandro, a true team player who came to embody the essence of Sauber throughout the years,” said Binotto. “Alessandro played a wide range of roles within the team, steering it through difficult and exciting times alike. As he moves onto a new venture, the whole company would like to thank him for all his energy and contributions over the years and wish him the best for the future.”

As Sauber prepares for its transformation into Audi’s Formula 1 team, Wheatley’s arrival signals the beginning of a new era for the Swiss outfit. With Alunni Bravi departing and new talent coming in, the team is laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a competitive and successful future under the Audi banner.