Jonathan Wheatley is about to take the helm as Group Principal of Stake F1 Group KICK Sauber from April 1st, 2025, because the group continues its strategic transition in preparation for Audi’s extremely anticipated entry into Method One in 2026. Wheatley, a extensively revered and achieved determine within the sport, will make his debut as Group Principal on the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, marking the start of a brand new period for Sauber Motorsport AG.
Wheatley will co-lead the staff alongside Chief Working Officer and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto, forming a management duo designed to drive Sauber’s aggressive resurgence. Each report on to Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Sauber Motorsport AG, underneath a administration construction that clearly defines their respective duties to make sure operational effectivity and efficiency progress.
With Wheatley’s appointment, the staff takes one other important step in the direction of Audi’s entry into Method One, with simply over 9 months remaining earlier than the German automotive large formally takes management. His expertise and management might be instrumental in shaping the staff’s aggressive technique and operational framework because it prepares for the following chapter in its historical past.
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Wheatley brings a wealth of expertise, having begun his Method One profession with Benetton within the early Nineties, the place he rose via the ranks to grow to be chief mechanic. He later spent three years as chief mechanic at Renault earlier than becoming a member of the newly established Purple Bull Racing in 2006 as Sporting Director. Over almost 20 years at Purple Bull, Wheatley performed a pivotal function within the staff’s rise to dominance, contributing to 6 Constructors’ and 7 Drivers’ World Championships.
As Sauber Motorsport evolves into Audi’s works Method One staff, the mixed experience of Wheatley and Binotto is predicted to strengthen the staff’s basis, improve its competitiveness, and streamline its transition. With a mix of technical acumen and managerial excellence, the duo is tasked with guaranteeing that Stake F1 Group KICK Sauber enters this new section with a powerful and sustainable imaginative and prescient for fulfillment on and off the observe.
