Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jonathan Wheatley

How Jonathan Wheatley built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jonathan Wheatley is a British motorsport executive and mechanic who has been involved in Formula One for several years. He is set to become the team principal of Audi in Formula One from 2026. Previously, he held the position of sporting director at Red Bull Racing. Before his tenure at Red Bull, he was a chief mechanic for both Benetton and Renault Formula One teams, showcasing his extensive experience and leadership within the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: World Constructors' Championship Title with Benetton

In 1995, Jonathan Wheatley contributed to a World Constructors' Championship title as a mechanic at Benetton.

2001: Became Chief Mechanic at Benetton

In 2001, Jonathan Wheatley became the chief mechanic at Benetton, where he had been rising through the ranks.

2005: World Constructors' Championship Title with Renault

In 2005, Jonathan Wheatley contributed to a World Constructors' Championship title as chief mechanic of Renault.

2006: Became Team Manager at Red Bull

In 2006, Jonathan Wheatley became Team Manager at Red Bull. His responsibilities included ensuring the team operated within the FIA sporting regulations, monitoring communication, and supervising Red Bull's pit crew.

2006: Joined Red Bull Racing

In 2006, Jonathan Wheatley left Benetton and joined Red Bull Racing.

2010: World Constructors' Championship Title with Red Bull

In 2010, Jonathan Wheatley contributed to a World Constructors' Championship title as a team manager at Red Bull.

2013: World Constructors' Championship Title with Red Bull

In 2013, Jonathan Wheatley contributed to a World Constructors' Championship title as a team manager at Red Bull.

2018: Served as Sporting Director at Red Bull

In 2018, Jonathan Wheatley served as Sporting Director at Red Bull, in addition to his role as Team Manager.

2019: Red Bull Pit Crew Broke World Record

During the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull's pit crew broke the world record for the fastest Formula One pit stop, servicing Max Verstappen's RB15 in 1.82 seconds. They had previously set a record of 1.88 seconds at the 2019 German Grand Prix.

2022: World Constructors' Championship Title with Red Bull

In 2022, Jonathan Wheatley contributed to a World Constructors' Championship title as sporting director of Red Bull.

2023: World Constructors' Championship Title with Red Bull

In 2023, Jonathan Wheatley contributed to a World Constructors' Championship title as sporting director of Red Bull.

August 2024: Wheatley Expected to Join Sauber

In August 2024, Jonathan Wheatley was expected to join Sauber as their inaugural team principal in the summer of 2025, ahead of their 2026 campaign as Audi. However, his gardening leave ended early, and he was released from his Red Bull contract earlier than expected.

August 2024: Wheatley's Departure Announced

On 1 August 2024, Red Bull announced Jonathan Wheatley's departure as Sporting Director at the end of the 2024 season. He would join Audi as their first Team Principal after a period of gardening leave.