Audi hopes the additions of Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto to its Formulation 1 mission will assist the producer “get a foothold rapidly” when it enters the game in 2026.
Wheatley’s arrival as workforce principal of the mission subsequent 12 months was introduced following a Purple Bull assertion in regards to the sporting director’s departure. He’ll be part of Binotto at Audi the place he might be chief technical officer and chief operations officer of the F1 workforce. Confirming Wheatley’s signing, Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner says the main target has been on securing skilled workforce members who’re totally conscious of what it takes to be aggressive.
“I’m delighted that we have now been capable of achieve Jonathan Wheatley as workforce principal for our future Formulation 1 workforce,” Dollner stated. “Jonathan has performed a significant half in lots of Formulation 1 race victories and world championship titles in his Formulation 1 profession to date, and has intensive expertise within the paddock. He’s a really worthwhile addition to our workforce.
“With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we have now taken a decisive step in direction of our entry into Formulation 1. I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, we have now been capable of mix a particularly excessive degree of competence for Audi. Their expertise and their skill will assist us to get a foothold rapidly within the powerful aggressive world of Formulation 1.”
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The Purple Bull announcement earlier within the day appeared to catch Audi out, with no assertion forthcoming for various hours and no feedback from Wheatley on the time. As a part of the acknowledgement from his new workforce, Wheatley says the chance to step as much as a workforce principal function was too good to show down.
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Purple Bull Racing journey over the past 18 years and can go away with many fond reminiscences,” Wheatley stated. “Nevertheless, the chance to play an energetic half in Audi’s entry into Formulation 1 as head of a manufacturing facility workforce is a uniquely thrilling prospect, and I’m wanting ahead to the problem.
“Additionally I’m glad to be working along with Mattia, whom I’ve recognized for a few years and who’s the proper individual to collaborate with on this thrilling mission.”
Whereas the pair haven’t labored alongside one another earlier than, Binotto says he holds Wheatley in excessive regard as a consequence of his work at Purple Bull.
“I’ve recognized Jonathan for a few years and price him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport skilled,” Binotto added. “2026 isn’t a very long time away now, and I’m wanting ahead to organising the brand new racing workforce for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”