Formula 1 is just as hectic off the track as it is on the track with the multiple personnel changes—not just the drivers but also the management. The latest figure to jump ship is Jonathan Wheatley.

After the end of this season, the Red Bull sporting director will be on gardening leave before joining Audi as team principal. This news follows the departure of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, and the arrival of Mattia Binotto in the upcoming works team.

Wheatley began his F1 career as a mechanic in Benetton during the early 1990s, where he rose through the ranks until he became chief mechanic in 2001. The following year, the team transformed into Renault. In 2006, he moved to the newly formed Red Bull, and the rest is history.

“It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan for over 18 years,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “His contribution to six world constructors’ titles and seven world drivers’ championships—first as team manager and later as sporting director—will forever be a marker in our team history.”

“I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Red Bull Racing journey over the last 18 years, and will leave with many fond memories,” said Wheatley. “However, the opportunity to play an active part in Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as head of a factory team is a uniquely exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Do you think Jonathan Wheatley could replicate Red Bull’s success with Audi? And will Red Bull be fine without Wheatley and Adrian Newey?