Kick Sauber has officially announced that Jonathan Wheatley will commence his role as Team Principal on 1st April 2025. The appointment, first revealed last August, finalises the leadership structure as the Swiss racing organisation prepares for its transformation into Audi’s factory team in 2026. Wheatley brings decades of Formula 1 experience to the position, having served most recently as Red Bull’s Sporting Director during a period of remarkable success for the team.
The timing of Wheatley’s arrival means his race debut with the team will take place at the Japanese Grand Prix. He will form part of a dual leadership arrangement alongside Mattia Binotto, who serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer. Both executives will report directly to Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.
Strategic leadership partnership to drive future success
The appointment of Wheatley represents a crucial step in Kick Sauber’s strategic evolution. Working in tandem with Binotto, the leadership duo will share responsibility for the racing team’s performance while operating within clearly defined roles. This collaborative approach aims to maximise the complementary skills each brings to the organisation.
Wheatley’s extensive background in Formula 1 makes him particularly well-suited for the challenges ahead. His career began with Benetton in the early 1990s, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief Mechanic, remaining with the team through its transition to Renault. His most significant achievements came during his tenure at Red Bull, which he joined in 2006. As Sporting Director, he played a pivotal role in the team’s extraordinary run of success, contributing to six Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles.
The dual leadership model established at Kick Sauber reflects a conscious effort to create a structure that leverages the strengths of both executives. Binotto, with his technical expertise and previous experience as Team Principal at Ferrari, complements Wheatley’s operational and sporting background. Together, they form a leadership team with the breadth of knowledge necessary to navigate the complex challenges of Formula 1 competition.
Preparing for the Audi era
The timing of Wheatley’s appointment holds particular significance as it comes during a transformative period for the team. German automotive giant Audi is set to take over Sauber’s entry from the 2026 season, establishing it as a full works operation. This transition represents one of the most anticipated developments in Formula 1, as Audi brings its considerable resources and engineering prowess to the grid.
When his appointment was announced last year, Wheatley expressed both pride in his Red Bull legacy and enthusiasm for the new challenge: “I 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. However, the opportunity to play an active part 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.”
The collaboration between Wheatley and Binotto will be central to the team’s development strategy as it prepares for this significant shift. Wheatley acknowledged the importance of this partnership, stating: “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.”
Fresh driver lineup for 2025 campaign
The leadership changes coincide with a complete overhaul of the driver lineup for the 2025 season. Kick Sauber has parted ways with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, replacing them with experienced German driver Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
Hulkenberg brings valuable experience to the team, having competed in Formula 1 since 2010 with various teams. His technical feedback and development skills will be particularly valuable as the organisation prepares for its transition to Audi. Bortoleto, meanwhile, represents the future—a talented young driver who has impressed in junior categories and now faces the challenge of adapting to Formula 1.
This driver pairing balances experience with fresh talent, mirroring the broader strategy of the team as it bridges the gap between its current identity and its future as Audi’s works operation. The combination of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers extends from the cockpit to the leadership structure, with Wheatley and Binotto guiding the technical and sporting direction.
Building foundations for long-term competitiveness
The appointment of Wheatley signals a commitment to establishing strong foundations for future success. His experience at Red Bull during multiple championship campaigns provides valuable insights into what makes a team competitive at the highest level. This knowledge will be crucial as Kick Sauber works to position itself favourably for the Audi era.
The 2025 season therefore represents a transitional year, with the team implementing structural changes while continuing to compete under its current identity. This period allows for the bedding in of new processes and personnel ahead of the more dramatic changes to come in 2026.
For Wheatley, the challenge lies not just in managing the immediate competitive demands of Formula 1 but also in helping to shape the long-term vision for the team. His experience in navigating regulatory changes and adapting team operations accordingly will be particularly relevant as Formula 1 continues to evolve.
The Formula 1 grid has become increasingly competitive in recent seasons, with multiple teams capable of challenging for podiums and victories. As Kick Sauber transforms into Audi’s works team, expectations will naturally rise, placing additional pressure on the leadership to deliver results that reflect the resources and reputation of the German manufacturer.
Wheatley’s appointment completes a significant piece of the puzzle as Kick Sauber builds towards this ambitious future. With his race debut as Team Principal set for the Japanese Grand Prix, all eyes will be on how quickly his influence begins to shape the performance and direction of the team. The foundations laid during 2025 will play a crucial role in determining how competitively Audi can enter the sport as a works team the following year.
