Horner makes REVELATION as Red Bull brace for team principal EXIT… read more
The world of Formula 1 is on the cusp of significant changes, and Red Bull is no exception. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they are also bracing themselves for a major exit. The departure of key personnel, including technical chief Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team.
However, it’s not just the personnel changes that are causing a stir. The team’s partnership with Honda is also coming to an end, and they will be looking to forge new relationships in the future. The driver lineup has also undergone a significant change, with Sergio Perez being replaced by junior driver Liam Lawson.
But perhaps the most surprising revelation to come out of the Red Bull camp is the admission by team principal Christian Horner that he actively encouraged Jonathan Wheatley to leave the team. Wheatley, who is set to become the team principal of the Audi F1 project in 2026, has reportedly entered a period of gardening leave ahead of his official exit from the team.
Horner’s comments on the matter are certainly surprising, given the significance of Wheatley’s role within the team. However, Horner has revealed that he felt it was a great opportunity for Wheatley, and that it would also allow Red Bull to promote talent from within.
“I’m sure he’ll be an asset to Sauber,” Horner told RacingNews365. “The definition of the team principal at every team is very different. It depends on what that role and function is. But it’s predominantly trackside.”
Horner’s comments suggest that he is confident in the abilities of the team’s existing personnel, and that they will be able to step up and fill the void left by Wheatley’s departure. He also expressed his support for Wheatley’s decision to leave the team, stating that he had encouraged him to take the opportunity.
“It’s something he has been ambitious for some time, so when he got the opportunity, I encouraged him to take it,” Horner said. “It gives opportunity to others here [at Red Bull] and is a good opportunity for him in his career.”
Horner’s admission is a significant one, and it highlights the challenges that teams face in retaining key personnel. It also underscores the importance of having a strong and talented team behind the scenes, and the need for teams to be proactive in developing and promoting their own talent.
As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull will be looking to navigate these changes and emerge stronger as a result. With a new driver lineup and a number of key personnel departing, it will undoubtedly be a challenging season for the team. However, with Horner at the helm, they will be confident of overcoming these obstacles and achieving success on the track.
In conclusion, the admission by Christian Horner that he encouraged Jonathan Wheatley to leave Red Bull is a significant one, and it highlights the challenges that teams face in retaining key personnel. As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull will be looking to navigate these changes and emerge stronger as a result. With a new driver lineup and a number of key personnel departing, it will undoubtedly be a challenging season for the team, but with Horner at the helm, they will be confident of overcoming these obstacles and achieving success on the track.
