Mattia Binotto outlines ‘important’ reason behind Audi poaching Jonathan Wheatley from Red Bull

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Audi are already building some solid foundations for when the team joins the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season with the recent signing of Jonathan Wheatley from Red Bull.

The German manufacturer will enter F1 as a works team, bringing with them their own power unit as they are set to take over the operations at Sauber.

The Swiss outfit are still yet to score a point this season, as Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have struggled with Sauber’s underperforming package.

While 2024 has been a bleak year for Sauber and with 2025 not expected to bring much change, F1’s 2026 regulations may bring a much-needed change in fortune when Audi joins the sport.

The German squad have already confirmed Nico Hulkenberg as an Audi driver on a multi-year deal that will see him join Sauber next season and remain with the team as they transition to Audi in 2026. Mattia Binotto has also joined the team as COO and CTO, marking his return to F1 since leaving Ferrari in 2022.

Mattia Binotto lauds Jonathan Wheatley’s experience as ‘great’ for Audi

Furthermore, Audi have appointed their inaugural team principal in Red Bull’s sporting director Wheatley. And speaking on the F1 website, Binotto spoke of the ‘importance’ of bringing the 57-year-old onboard.

Wheatley has been in F1 for over three decades, beginning his career with Benetton in 1991 before becoming the Enstone squad’s chief mechanic under the Renault name. The team won two constructors’ championships and three drivers’ championships during Wheatley’s time there.

READ MORE: All to know about Jonathan Wheatley as Audi/Sauber sign new team principal

The Brit joined Red Bull in 2006 and has overseen their meteoric rise from the midfield to the front of the pack, as the Milton Keynes outfit have won six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships from 2006 to 2023.

Wheatley will leave Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season after a period of gardening leave, and Binotto lauded the Brit’s experience as key for Audi.

“We need to look at the organisation and be as modern as we can in order to be best,” he said.

“Joining Audi, I’m aware there is so much to do back at the factory in order to grow a team and not being distracted by the race’s activity.

“It was not my intention to be present at all races. I do not believe modern F1 should have a responsibility of the project who is always present at races.

“To have someone like Jonathan – we know how good he is, his past experience, he is great. [Jonathan] being fully responsible for racing activities, being Team Principal for me was important because splitting responsibilities, looking at all the tasks we have ahead, we believe that is the best way to organise.”

Red Bull are struggling to hold onto their titles with eight races remaining in 2024

Wheatley’s departure from Red Bull comes at a bad time for the team as they are enduring a difficult time compared to their rivals.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Sauber and Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto

After collecting three one-two finishes from the opening four races – with it being anticipated they would be way out in front once again – Red Bull’s rivals McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have not only caught up but gone ahead in terms of performance.

Max Verstappen has not won a race since Spain or secured a pole position since Austria as his championship lead over Lando Norris has been cut down to 62 points with eight races to go.

Team principal Christian Horner says Red Bull have the fourth-fastest car at the moment, which showed with their struggles at the Italian Grand Prix. With just an eight-point lead over McLaren in the constructors’ championship, Red Bull are in danger of losing both of their titles.