Now, with his official tenure set to begin at the start of next month, Wheatley\u2019s first race as Team Principal will be at the Japanese Grand Prix. He will work closely with Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto as the team gears up for a new era under Audi\u2019s ownership from the 2026 season. Wheatley\u2019s journey in Formula 1 began in the early 1990s with Benetton, where he rose to the position of Chief Mechanic. Following the team\u2019s transformation into Renault, he remained a key figure before joining Red Bull Racing in 2006.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Over the years, he played a pivotal role in Red Bull\u2019s success, helping secure six Constructors\u2019 and seven Drivers\u2019 Championships during his tenure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now, as he embarks on a fresh challenge, Wheatley will report directly to Gernot Dollner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. The newly-structured leadership team will see him and Binotto as \u201cjointly responsible for the success of the racing team,\u201d as per the team\u2019s official statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his departure from Red Bull and his upcoming journey with Sauber, Wheatley expressed both gratitude and excitement: \u201cI am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years and will leave with many fond memories,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHowever, the opportunity to play an active part in Audi\u2019s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to the challenge. Also, I am glad to be working together with Mattia, whom I have known for many years and who is the right person to collaborate with in this exciting project,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his departure from Red Bull and his upcoming journey with Sauber, Wheatley expressed both gratitude and excitement: \u201cI am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years and will leave with many fond memories,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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