Why is Jonathan Wheatley Leaving Red Bull? His Professional and Personal Details Unveiled

Why is Jonathan Wheatley Leaving Red Bull?

Jonathan Wheatley is leaving Red Bull after 18 years to join Audi’s F1 project as their team principal. He has been a key figure at Red Bull, contributing to their six constructors' and seven drivers' titles. Wheatley sees this move as a unique career opportunity to lead a factory team with Audi.

His departure follows Adrian Newey’s exit to focus on Red Bull's hypercar project. Red Bull will use this chance to promote other team members and will announce a new team structure soon. Wheatley leaves with many fond memories of his time at Red Bull. (Source: SkySports)

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Who is Jonathan Wheatley?

Jonathan Wheatley is a British Formula One mechanic and team manager, currently serving as the Sporting Director for Red Bull Racing. He has been a crucial part of the team since 2006, helping them achieve significant success, including multiple world championships. Wheatley oversees various aspects of the team's operations, including pit stops and race strategy. His role has been pivotal in Red Bull's dominance in the sport. Wheatley is known for his effective management and strategic insights in Formula One.

Jonathan Wheatley Professional Life

Jonathan Wheatley started his motorsport career at Benetton in the early 1990s, working his way up from a junior mechanic to become the chief mechanic by 2001. During his time at Benetton, the team won two World Constructors' Championships and 33 races. In 2006, he joined Red Bull Racing, where he played a key role in managing the team and ensuring they followed the FIA rules.

He was also in charge of the pit crew, which became known for its speed and efficiency. Red Bull’s pit crew set a world record for the fastest pit stop in 2019, which was held until 2023. On August 1, 2024, it was announced that Wheatley would leave Red Bull at the end of the season. He will become Audi’s first Team Principal when they join Formula One in 2026. During his time at Red Bull, the team won six World Constructors' Championships and 120 races.

Jonathan Wheatley Personal Life

The details about Jonathan Wheatley's personal life are quite private. It is unknown whether he is married or not or in a relationship with anyone. It is unknown whether he has children or not. The details about his family, siblings and their background are unknown as he keeps those details private. He is not active on Instagram but is active on Twitter with 2912 followers.

Jonathan Wheatley Net Worth

Jonathan Wheatley’s exact net worth is not publicly known. His primary source of income comes from his role as Sporting Director at Red Bull Racing, where he oversees various aspects of the team’s operations, including pit stops and compliance with FIA regulations. His salary for this position is not publicly disclosed but is expected to be substantial given his high-profile role in Formula One.

In August 2024, he announced his move to Audi as their Team Principal, which will also be a significant source of income for him. His earnings in this new role are anticipated to reflect his experience and the high level of responsibility involved.

Red Bull

Red Bull is a Formula One team based in the UK but races under an Austrian license. It is one of two F1 teams owned by Red Bull GmbH, the other being RB Formula One Team. Christian Horner has managed Red Bull Racing since it started in 2005. Initially, the team used Cosworth engines in 2005 and Ferrari engines in 2006.

From 2007 to 2018, they used Renault engines, which were rebranded as TAG Heuer from 2016 to 2018. During this period, Red Bull Racing won four consecutive Drivers' and Constructors' Championships from 2010 to 2013.

Since 2019, the team has used Honda engines, which helped Max Verstappen win the World Drivers' Championship in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Although Honda officially left F1 after 2021, they will continue supplying engines under the Red Bull Powertrains brand until the end of 2025.