Jonathan Wheatley, the newly appointed Team Principal of Kick Sauber, has pledged to steer the Formula 1 team toward success with a leadership style distinctly his own. Speaking at a press conference during the Bahrain Grand Prix, Wheatley, who officially began his role on April 1, outlined his vision for the team as it prepares for its transformation into the Audi works team by 2026.
Wheatley, a motorsport veteran with 19 years of experience at Red Bull Racing, steps into the Team Principal role for the first time, having previously served as Sporting Director. His tenure at Red Bull saw him contribute to multiple championships, working closely with team boss Christian Horner. Now, at Kick Sauber, Wheatley is determined to carve his own path. “I want to be my own Team Principal. I want to lead the team, along with Mattia [Binotto], in my own way,” Wheatley said, referencing his collaboration with Sauber’s CEO and CTO, Mattia Binotto. “I’ve always been pretty sure of my own thoughts and my own views. I have a plan for how we can start this transformation journey and carry the momentum through.”
The Briton’s arrival marks a new chapter for Kick Sauber, which has faced challenges in recent seasons but shown signs of improvement. Wheatley expressed optimism about the team’s potential, noting a positive atmosphere during his early days at the Hinwil headquarters. “Honestly, we’re making a home for ourselves, and I feel very, very at home at Sauber,” he said. He also praised the team’s cohesion, stating, “What I’ve found is, at the moment, I’m not seeing any issues in terms of the language – the language of the team, the way people are getting on.”
Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have voiced confidence in Wheatley’s leadership. Bortoleto, a rookie in the 2025 season, described Wheatley as “a very nice guy” who is “doing a very good job” with a proactive approach to analyzing performance. Hulkenberg echoed the sentiment, expressing expectations of “a lot of good things” under Wheatley’s guidance.
Wheatley’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sauber, with Audi’s full takeover looming. His experience as a mechanic with Benetton in the 1990s and his long stint at Red Bull equip him with a deep understanding of the sport’s technical and strategic demands. However, Wheatley faces the challenge of elevating Sauber’s on-track performance while managing the transition to Audi’s ambitious project. Recent technical analyses suggest Kick Sauber has outperformed pre-season expectations, a foundation Wheatley aims to build upon.
“I have a plan,” Wheatley reiterated, emphasizing a strategic approach to the team’s transformation. “It’s about carrying the momentum through and making sure we’re ready for what’s ahead.” As Kick Sauber navigates the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Wheatley to see how his unique leadership style shapes the team’s trajectory.