Audi hopes the additions of Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto to its System 1 venture will assist the producer “get a foothold rapidly” when it enters the game in 2026.
Wheatley’s arrival as crew principal of the venture subsequent yr was introduced following a Pink Bull assertion concerning the sporting director’s departure. He’ll be a part of Binotto at Audi the place he might be chief technical officer and chief operations officer of the F1 crew. Confirming Wheatley’s signing, Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner says the main focus has been on securing skilled crew members who’re totally conscious of what it takes to be aggressive.
“I’m delighted that we now have been capable of achieve Jonathan Wheatley as crew principal for our future System 1 crew,” Dollner stated. “Jonathan has performed a serious half in lots of System 1 race victories and world championship titles in his System 1 profession to date, and has intensive expertise within the paddock. He’s a really worthwhile addition to our crew.
“With the appointment of Jonathan and Mattia we now have taken a decisive step in direction of our entry into System 1. I’m satisfied that with the 2 of them, we now have been capable of mix an especially excessive degree of competence for Audi. Their expertise and their potential will assist us to get a foothold rapidly within the powerful aggressive world of System 1.”
The Pink Bull announcement earlier within the day appeared to catch Audi out, with no assertion forthcoming for plenty of hours and no feedback from Wheatley on the time. As a part of the acknowledgement from his new crew, Wheatley says the chance to step as much as a crew principal function was too good to show down.
Mattia Binotto (left) with Jonathan Wheatley in 2022. Mark Sutton/Motorsport Pictures
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of the Pink Bull Racing journey over the past 18 years and can go away with many fond recollections,” Wheatley stated. “Nonetheless, the chance to play an energetic half in Audi’s entry into System 1 as head of a manufacturing facility crew 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 correct individual to collaborate with on this thrilling venture.”
Whereas the pair haven’t labored alongside one another earlier than, Binotto says he holds Wheatley in excessive regard on account of his work at Pink Bull.
“I’ve recognized Jonathan for a few years and charge him extremely as an skilled and dedicated motorsport skilled,” Binotto added. “2026 just isn’t a very long time away now, and I’m wanting ahead to establishing the brand new racing crew for Audi together with Jonathan and main it to success.”
