Audi is creating a super team to hit the ground running when it enters F1 in 2026. Though Sauber is currently in the dumps, Mattia Binotto, taking over the reins of Audi’s F1 project starting today, August 1, brings a fresh wave of enthusiasm. However, the former Ferrari Team Principal wasn’t the only big-ticket signing. The German manufacturers have poached Red Bull‘s Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley too. Now, the Christian Horner-led team seems to be crumbling at the same rate as their RB19 flew in 2023.

For RBR, technical genius Adrian Newey’s exit was the first domino to fall. Then, McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed “an increase in CVs coming our way” from Red Bull. Mercedes TP Toto Wolff backed Brown, saying, “We are seeing Red Bull CVs through all the levels.” All of this stemmed from the Christian Horner scandal and the political ‘power struggle’ souring the team’s morale.

When rumors of Horner’s exit were at its peak, Jonathan Wheatley was considered as his successor. But the Briton was cleared of wrongdoing and this switch never panned out. So either Wheatley too is leaving the Milton Keynes outfit because of the turmoil or the burning desire to lead an F1 team has landed him at Audi as their new Team Principal. Announcing the Sporting Director’s exit, Horner said, “It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years.”

“His contribution to six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships, first as team manager and latterly Sporting Director, will forever be a marker in our team history.” Though Wheatley’s move comes as a surprise, it is nothing F1 hasn’t witnessed before.

Before joining Williams as Team Principal in 2023, James Vowles was the Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes. Both Wheatley and Vowles have contributed to multiple world championships for RBR and Mercedes, respectively. While Mercedes wasn’t affected considerably by Vowles’ exit who later went on to display the “stark contrast”, Wheatley’s move to Audi will cost Red Bull.

Jonathan Wheatley’s exit sets the stage for Max Verstappen to Mercedes

Red Bull is witnessing a complete downfall bit by bit. Christian Horner, the man who led them to 6 constructors and 7 drivers titles, has taken center stage to take all the verbal beating. Pitted against key personnel from his own team, Horner’s case has pushed team spirit is at an all-time low. The Milton Keynes outfit’s performance has tanked as well with McLaren and Mercedes becoming victory contenders again.

Jonathan Wheatley’s high-profile exit is an ominous sign of things to worsen. 3-time champion Max Verstappen already seems to have one foot out of the door with Toto Wolff awaiting him at Mercedes. While Wolff’s flirting with the Dutchman was inconsequential a few races ago, Mercedes’ revival as Red Bull’s RB20 simultaneously struggles, the circumstances have changed massively.

Nonetheless, to keep the rumor mill from swirling out of control, Red Bull’s statement had some sort of promise. A part of their press release: “Red Bull Racing have tremendous strength and depth and this provides opportunity to elevate others within the team. We will announce a new team structure in the coming weeks.”

While Red Bull goes through the rigamarole of stabilizing their F1 ship once again, Audi is going from strength to strength. With a potential race winner in Nico Hulkenberg already signed, and a greatly experienced Binotto at the helm, their project has suddenly gained credibility. Maybe if all of this happened a few weeks ago, Carlos Sainz might not have committed to Williams. But the game of ifs and buts can continue for ages. For now, Red Bull has lost another key leader.