Audi expects the addition of Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto to its Formula 1 project will help the manufacturer “quickly gain a foothold” when it enters the sport in 2026.
The announcement that Wheatley will join the project as team leader next year was made in a Red Bull statement on the departure of the sporting director. He will join Binotto at Audi as chief technical officer and chief operating officer of the F1 team. Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner, who confirmed Wheatley’s appointment, said the focus was on securing a skilled team member who knows what it takes to be competitive.
“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal for our future Formula 1 team,” said Dollner. “Jonathan has played a key role in many Formula 1 race wins and World Championship titles to date in Formula 1 and has extensive experience in the paddock. He is an invaluable addition to our team.
“With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia, we have taken a decisive step towards our entry into Formula 1. I am convinced that with them we have been able to combine a very high level of competence for Audi. Their experience and capabilities will help us to quickly gain a foothold in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.”
Red Bull’s announcement earlier that day seemed to have caught Audi off guard, and for hours there was no statement, with Wheatley having no comment at the time. As part of his acceptance by the new team, Wheatley said the opportunity to step up to the team principal role was too good to turn down.
Mattia Binotto (left) and Jonathan Wheatley (2022). Mark Sutton/Motorsport Images
“I am very proud to have been part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the past 18 years and will leave with many happy memories,” said Wheatley. “But the opportunity to actively participate in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect and I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I am also delighted to be working with Mattia, whom I have known for a long time. She is the perfect person to collaborate with on this exciting project.”
Although the two have not worked together before, Binotto said he has seen what Wheatley is doing at Red Bull and has a high regard for him.
“I have known Jonathan for a long time and highly regard him as an experienced and dedicated motorsport professional,” Binotto added. “2026 is just around the corner and I look forward to working with Jonathan to build the new Audi racing team and make it a success.”
