Jonathan Wheatley has expressed confidence in handling the challenge of leading Audi’s Formula 1 team as they prepare for the 2026 transition. The current Kick Sauber Team Principal believes pressure will fuel his performance, not hinder it.
Wheatley took charge at the Hinwil-based outfit in April after 19 years as Red Bull’s Sporting Director. His career began as a mechanic with Benetton in 1991, giving him decades of experience in Formula 1. Since joining Kick Sauber, Wheatley has spoken of feeling “re-energised” in his new role. A major highlight came with Nico Hulkenberg’s long-awaited maiden podium at the British Grand Prix.
Turning Pressure Into Energy
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Wheatley insisted: “I don’t think so – I think you take these things in your stride. I feel very comfortable in the role I’m doing at the moment, it’s an amazing opportunity. I’m so excited about the project. Just saying Audi Formula 1 project sounds like the most incredible thing to be part of. Pressure is part of the job – it’s been part of my job for the last 30 years. I turn it into something positive. It doesn’t really sit with me, I manage to turn it and use it as positive energy and that’s what I’m hoping to do next year.”
Lessons From Red Bull
Reflecting on his 19 years at Red Bull, Wheatley explained how he applies his experience: “You have to absorb yourself in the team, you have to immerse yourself in it. You have to listen to what everyone has got to say, you have to try and work out why decisions have been made, why processes are the way they are, and you can very rarely just move a complete procedure from one team across to another – it just doesn’t work. But what you can bring is a philosophy, you can bring a cultural philosophy as well. There’s low-hanging fruit, there’s been some of that to be had.”
Building Momentum With a Young Team
Wheatley also highlighted the team’s youthful energy: “It’s a very young team and I think people forget that. A lot of people here only started in January or February so we’re knitting together the team. We’re on a journey, we’re very much in the early part of that journey and we have to understand that we’re starting from a humble beginning. I’m excited about it – we’re making steps, we’re gaining momentum, and of course this business is all about momentum.”
Kick Sauber currently sit seventh in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship with 51 points, just one behind Aston Martin. With Audi’s official entry arriving in 2026, Jonathan Wheatley believes the project is gaining speed at the perfect time.
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