May 5, 2024 10:53
Photo: XPB Images
Red Bull could be about to lose another important team member. After the announcement of technical director Adrian Newey’s departure, rumors indicate that Jonathan Wheatley, the team’s sporting director, was also considering leaving.
According to British newspaper The Times, Wheatley has ambitions to become team principal, a position that does not appear to be available at Red Bull as long as Christian Horner remains in the role. The director would have already contacted other Formula 1 teams to investigate this possibility.
If the departure is confirmed, Wheatley, aged 56, would be another important name to leave Red Bull. He has been with the team since 2006 and is responsible for the performance of the pit stop team, recognized year after year as the fastest in the category. The team’s most recent feat was the double stop of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the Chinese GP, with the team changing tires on both cars in just 3.95 seconds.
The news of Wheatley’s possible departure comes at a time of some apprehension for Red Bull. The confirmation of Newey’s departure raised fears of an exodus of talent from the team. Furthermore, there is uncertainty about the permanence of Verstappen, whose contract runs until 2028. Red Bull partner, Oliver Mintzlaff, stated in a rare interview that he believes in the Dutch driver’s permanence, but highlighted the existence of a crucial factor in keeping him , without going into further detail.
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