P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull has agreed to let impending Sauber boss Jonathan Wheatley take up the role earlier than planned, but McLaren will have to wait on Will Courtenay’s arrival.
Sauber announced last August that Wheatley would become the side’s new Team Principal in 2025 as it prepares to morph into the works Audi entry next term. The Briton continued in his long-serving role as Red Bull’s Sporting Director across the entire 2024 season, with Max Verstappen securing his fourth Drivers’ title. Wheatley has been placed on gardening leave to see out his Red Bull contract, with Audi stating his start date was “July 2025 at the latest”. However, Red Bull has agreed to sanction an earlier release, allowing Wheatley to start at Sauber on April 1 before overlooking the opening two races. Wheatley will take over responsibilities from Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who is departing for a “new venture” after Frederic Vasseur’s move to Ferrari in 2022. Sauber COO Mattia Binotto will temporarily fill the void until Wheatley’s arrival, as McLaren hits a roadblock negotiating with Red Bull’s Head of Race Strategy Courtenay, set to stay through the 2025 campaign.
