Wheatley and Binotto will help Audi ‘get a foothold quickly’ in F1

Audi hopes the additions of Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto to its Components 1 challenge will assist the producer “get a foothold rapidly” when it enters the game in 2026.

Wheatley’s arrival as group principal of the challenge subsequent 12 months was introduced following a Purple Bull assertion in regards to the sporting director’s departure. He’ll be a part of Binotto at Audi the place he shall be chief technical officer and chief operations officer of the F1 group. Confirming Wheatley’s signing, Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner says the main focus has been on securing skilled group members who’re absolutely conscious of what it takes to be aggressive.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been capable of acquire Jonathan Wheatley as group principal for our future Components 1 group,” Dollner mentioned. “Jonathan has performed a serious half in lots of Components 1 race victories and world championship titles in his Components 1 profession to date, and has in depth expertise within the paddock. He’s a really useful addition to our group.

“With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we’ve taken a decisive step in direction of our entry into Components 1. I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, we’ve been capable of mix an especially excessive stage of competence for Audi. Their expertise and their skill will assist us to get a foothold rapidly within the robust aggressive world of Components 1.”

The Purple Bull announcement earlier within the day appeared to catch Audi out, with no assertion forthcoming for a variety of hours and no feedback from Wheatley on the time. As a part of the acknowledgement from his new group, Wheatley says the chance to step as much as a group principal function was too good to show down.

“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Purple Bull Racing journey during the last 18 years and can go away with many fond reminiscences,” Wheatley mentioned. “Nonetheless, the chance to play an lively half in Audi’s entry into Components 1 as head of a manufacturing unit group is a uniquely thrilling prospect, and I’m trying ahead to the problem.

“Additionally I’m glad to be working along with Mattia, whom I’ve identified for a few years and who’s the suitable particular person to collaborate with on this thrilling challenge.”

Whereas the pair haven’t labored alongside one another earlier than, Binotto says he holds Wheatley in excessive regard resulting from his work at Purple Bull.

“I’ve identified Jonathan for a few years and charge him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport skilled,” Binotto added. “2026 is just not a very long time away now, and I’m trying ahead to organising the brand new racing group for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”