Jonathan Wheatley was always destined to become a Formula 1 genius. Appointed as the team principal of Sauber in 2024 before taking the helm of the Audi F1 team in 2026, his journey is one of exciting evolution over 35 years. From being a mechanic at Benetton alongside Michael Schumacher to architecting the Red Bull Racing empire, Wheatley methodically climbed the ranks.
Promising Beginnings
Born into a family passionate about motorsports, Wheatley was immersed in this world from a young age. His father raced cars, and Jonathan grew up frequenting racetracks. At 12, he was already cleaning the workshops of DK Engineering, a Ferrari restoration company. His technical apprenticeship began early, fueled by a natural curiosity for how mechanics work.
The Benetton Turning Point
His F1 career began thanks to a chance encounter with Kenny Handkammer, then an employee at Benetton. During his job interview with Nigel Stepney, Wheatley arrived in a rush, swerved in the parking lot, and then parked perfectly. This incident almost immediately earned him the job. He became a mechanic for Roberto Moreno’s car at the 1991 French Grand Prix.
The Rise to Leadership
At Red Bull, Wheatley contributed to setting world records for pit stops and developed his management philosophy: “The way a team performs its pit stops reflects its overall mindset.” His ability to handle pressure and his positive vision made him a natural leader. After two decades at Red Bull, he joined Sauber and then Audi to take on a new challenge.
The Audi Challenge
Alongside Mattia Binotto, Wheatley shares an ambitious vision: to win races and championships by the end of the decade. Aware of the upcoming challenges against F1’s historical giants, he focuses on building a cohesive and high-performing team. For this car enthusiast, working for Audi represents the ultimate opportunity, having grown up admiring Audi in rally racing.
A Positive Philosophy
Unlike many visibly stressed team principals, Wheatley defines himself as “a happy team principal.” He transforms pressure into positive energy and cultivates an environment where everyone can thrive. This human approach, combined with his exceptional technical expertise, makes him a unique figure in the Formula 1 paddock.