Audi, here’s how Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley will coexist

Audi Turn

In recent days the Audiin view of its full entry into Formula 1 from 2026, had announced the decision to entrust Mattia Binotto with the roles of technical and operational manager of the team, relieving both Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman of their respective duties.
This afternoon’s Red Bull press release then revealed a further very important addition to the team’s future organisation chart, that of Jonathan Wheatley as team principal from July 2025.

Döllner’s words

In the official press release issued this afternoon, the CEO of Audi AG welcomed Wheatley as follows: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure Jonathan as Team Principal for our future F1 team. He has been instrumental in winning races and world titles in his career and has a wealth of experience in the paddock. He will be a very valuable addition. With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into F1. They are two elements of extremely high competence. Their experience and their skills will help us to quickly enter F1″.

Wheatley’s comment

Wheatley stressed the importance of the offer he received: “I am extremely proud to have been part of Red Bull’s journey over the past 18 years and will leave with many fond memories. However, the opportunity to be an active participant in Audi’s entry into F1 as head of a factory team is a extremely exciting prospect and I can’t wait to take on this challenge. I am happy to work together with Mattiawhom I have known for many years. He is the right person to collaborate with on this exciting project.”

Binotto’s welcome

Both Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley will report directly to Gernot Döllner in his role as Chairman of the Board of Management of Sauber Motorsport AG. Binotto, in the role of COO and CTO, will be responsible for the operational management in Hinwil and the development of future single-seaters and will be the technical glue between the Swiss factory and Audi Formula Racing GmbH. in Neuburg an der Donau, where the power units will be produced.

Jonathan Wheatley will be – from July 2025 after the gardening leave period – the team principal and management spokesperson. It will focus on the team performance and operational management of race eventsas well as it will be the Audi’s representative in F1 matters. Binotto commented on the arrival of his future colleague as follows: “I have known Jonathan for many years and I respect him a lot. 2026 is not that far away and I am looking forward to creating the new Audi racing team together with Jonathan and leading it to success.”