Jonathan Wheatley appointed Team Principal of Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber

Jonathan Wheatley has been appointed Team Principal of Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber as of April 1, 2025, as the team ramps up planning for its redesign as the Audi F1 Factory Team in 2026. Wheatley is a well-regarded veteran in Formula One, and he will debut as a race Team Principal at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Wheatley will be supported by Mattia Binotto, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, within a shared leadership model of Sauber Motorsport AG. 

Wheatley and Binotto will both report to Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.

With nine months to go before Audi commences in Formula One, Wheatley's appointment is an important step in the transformational plan for the team.

Who is Jonathan Wheatley?

Wheatley has a rich F1 background, having begun in the early 1990s at Benetton Formula One, working his way to chief mechanic, before a period as chief mechanic at Renault F1, before joining Red Bull Racing in 2006 as Sporting Director, which saw him play a key part in the team's success. With him at the helm, Red Bull captured six Constructors' Championships and seven Drivers' World Championships.

Under Wheatley's leadership, Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber is embarking on an important step towards its Audi-supported future. The reorganization will facilitate a smooth transition as the iconic German brand prepares to debut in Formula One in 2026 in what promises to be a much-awaited entry.

Wheatley’s leadership, alongside Binotto’s technical expertise, is expected to strengthen Sauber’s competitive standing in the final season before Audi’s full-scale entry into the championship.

Wheatley was the second major team member to depart from Red Bull. Design guru Adrian Newey was the other high-profile name to leave Red Bull after almost 20 years with the team.