Jonathan Wheatley: leading Sauber forward into Audi era
Apr 29, 2025
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Jonathan Wheatley, the newly appointed Team Principal of Sauber, shares insights from his illustrious career, having been part of 19 World Championships. He discusses the thrilling transition to Audi in 2026 and how his experience will shape the team's future. Wheatley offers entertaining anecdotes about legendary drivers like Schumacher and Vettel, reflecting on their unique traits and pressures. He also delves into the crucial elements behind successful pit stops and the importance of team culture in achieving greatness in Formula 1.
Jonathan Wheatley's transition to Sauber as Team Principal represents a significant opportunity to reshape the team's future under Audi's leadership.
Wheatley emphasizes the importance of cultivating a winning mentality and positive team culture to drive Sauber's competitiveness in Formula One.
Reflecting on his experiences with top drivers, Wheatley highlights that unique traits like strategic finesse are essential for excelling in high-pressure situations.
Deep dives
Transition to Sauber and Audi F1 Project
Jonathan Wheatley, stepping into his role as team principal for Sauber, finds himself transitioning from Red Bull Racing, where he held notable success, to a team poised to transform into the Audi F1 team in 2026. His excitement stems from a lifelong admiration for Audi's motorsport legacy and the significant opportunity to reshape Sauber's approach and competitiveness in Formula One. As he settles into Switzerland, Wheatley notes the friendly atmosphere within the team and the collective enthusiasm surrounding the ambitious Audi project. He emphasizes the need for structural and cultural growth to thrive as a legitimate competitor in the sport.
Differences Between Sauber and Red Bull
Wheatley reflects on the stark contrasts between Red Bull's robust structure and the current state of Sauber, which has operated on a smaller scale for years. He highlights the challenges of expanding the team's capabilities, especially regarding personnel and office space, while implementing his vision for a high-performance factory team. His emphasis is not only on infrastructure but also the mental shift necessary for a successful transition from a small to a big team. Wheatley believes that achieving a winning mentality is crucial and emphasizes the importance of team spirit in fostering a culture of excellence.
Building a Winning Team Culture
He stresses that success in Formula One hinges more on people and their collective mindset than on merely having advanced facilities. Wheatley asserts that the right culture and positive energy are vital for team performance, suggesting that every member's contribution matters in achieving shared goals. He views his management role as a guiding force, helping individuals achieve their potential while fostering an environment where creativity and teamwork thrive. This, according to him, is essential for ensuring that Sauber can consistently compete at the highest levels in the sport.
Lessons from Legendary Drivers
Wheatley shares insights from his experiences working with iconic drivers like Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen, noting their extraordinary abilities to perform under pressure. Each of these drivers possesses unique characteristics that set them apart, such as Schumacher's attention to detail and Verstappen's instinctual race craft. Wheatley emphasizes that their knack for reading races and executing strategies elevates them to a different realm when competing. Such talents not only inspire those around them but also contribute to the overall success of the teams they represent.
Excitement for Future Challenges
Looking ahead, Wheatley expresses his ambition to lead Sauber through its transformation and into a competitive future under the Audi brand. His focus is on establishing measurable goals in the short term, including improvements in lap times and overall team dynamics. He acknowledges the challenges posed by entering a competitive landscape dominated by well-experienced manufacturers but maintains an optimistic outlook. With a solid expansion plan underway and a clear vision for the team's direction, Wheatley is ready to embrace the opportunities ahead as they work toward winning races and championships.
As the new Team Principal of Sauber, Jonathan Wheatley is taking on one of the most exciting projects in Formula 1.
With Benetton, Renault and Red Bull Racing, Jonathan has won 19 World Championships over the last 34 years. Now, after nearly two decades as Red Bull’s Sporting Director, he’s in a very different role with a very different team. And not just any team, because, in 2026, Sauber will become Audi.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Jonathan explains why he’s chosen to make such a big change in his career, how his experience of winning at the very highest level will help Audi achieve their goals and the differences between Sauber and Red Bull.
Jonathan also shares stories of working with Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen - revealing the common trait that makes them such great World Champions.
He talks about the unique connection he made with Ayrton Senna in the pitlane, the ‘uncomfortable’ team debrief with Vettel and Mark Webber after their infamous ‘Multi 21’ incident, what it takes to produce the perfect pit stop and his memories of Schumacher’s first title win at Adelaide in 1994.
It’s All To Drive For. Be there!
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