Sauber is undergoing a dramatic transformation as it prepares to become Audi’s official works team in 2026, and at the heart of this revolution is new Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley. Wheatley, who joined Sauber in April 2025 after a highly successful stint as Red Bull’s Sporting Director, has quickly made his mark, working alongside Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto. Together, they are steering the Swiss team through one of the most ambitious transitions in recent Formula 1 history.
Wheatley’s arrival coincided with a surge in on-track performance. The team’s hospitality unit, a familiar sight after more than 400 Grands Prix, was buzzing at Silverstone as Sauber celebrated its first podium in over a decade, courtesy of veteran Nico Hulkenberg. This result, following a string of points finishes and a major car update, has revitalized the entire operation and given both Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto renewed confidence in the car. The upgrades have allowed the drivers to push harder in both qualifying and races, and morale within the team has soared.
Wheatley brings a wealth of experience, having started his F1 career with Benetton in the early 1990s before moving to Renault and then Red Bull, where he helped secure six constructors’ and seven drivers’ world championships. Now, at Sauber, he faces a new challenge: guiding a mid-field team through a period of rapid growth and preparing it for the demands of factory backing from Audi. Wheatley has emphasized the importance of culture and mentality within the team, believing that a united, motivated workforce can outperform expectations even before the full resources of Audi are deployed.
Working closely with Binotto, Wheatley has focused on shoring up short-term performance as a foundation for long-term success. Binotto’s early work set the stage for the recent improvements, and Wheatley’s leadership has brought fresh energy and direction. The management structure empowers both leaders, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and both report directly to the board, ensuring alignment with Audi’s ambitious vision.
Wheatley has also initiated plans for a major expansion of Sauber’s Hinwil campus, echoing the “campus” model that proved so successful at Red Bull. This investment, combined with Audi’s resources and the support of the Qatar Investment Authority, signals a clear intent to build a team capable of fighting at the front of the grid. Wheatley is candid about the scale of the challenge, noting that true success in Formula 1 requires years of hard work and cultural change, not just new facilities or increased headcount.
The team’s recent results, including Hulkenberg’s emotional podium and Bortoleto’s first points, have validated the new direction. Wheatley is determined to harness this momentum as Sauber transitions into Audi’s works operation. He believes that with the right mentality, structure, and support, the team can achieve extraordinary things in the coming years. As the Sauber name prepares to make way for Audi, Wheatley’s revolution is already well underway, setting the stage for a bold new era in Formula 1.