The administration construction of Audi’s new Formulation 1 group got here nearer into full view on Thursday with information that Purple Bull Racing Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley will go away his present squad to affix Audi as its new group principal.

The sporting director is likely one of the most vital members of an F1 group, because the position is answerable for all trackside operations.

And Wheatley is likely one of the most profitable in that position. He is been at Purple Bull for 18 years, initially serving as Group Supervisor and later Sporting Director. Throughout his time with the group, it has taken house 13 world championships, consisting of each Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.

Purple Bull stated Wheatley will stay with the group via the 2024 season.

Audi hasn’t stated when Wheatley is because of begin. Nonetheless, Audi’s first season of F1 will probably be in 2026. It is going to exchange present group Sauber, which it has absolutely acquired.

Wheatley is not the one senior member of the Purple Bull group that is about to go away the squad. Present Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey introduced in Could he’ll go away the group within the first quarter of 2025. He hasn’t introduced his future plans but.

Different senior figures have additionally not too long ago left the group. These embrace Rob Marshall and Dan Fallows who joined McLaren and Aston Martin, respectively.

Information of Wheatley’s signing comes only a week after Audi introduced the departure of group CEO Andreas Seidl and Designated Chairman Oliver Hoffman from the F1 undertaking. On the similar time, Audi named former Ferrari Group Principal Mattia Binotto as Chief Working Officer and Chief Technical Officer.