The announcement of Jonathan Wheatley's departure from Red Bull, made public a few days ago, has shaken the world of Formula 1. After 18 years of service as sporting director, Wheatley decided to join Audi as team principal, marking a significant transition for both teams. The news comes a few months after the departure of another pillar of the team, Adrian Newey, and raises inevitable questions about the future of the Anglo-Austrian team. In this context of changes, Motorsport.com he recently revealed that Red Bull does not plan to replace Wheatley with an external figure, but he is instead considering promoting someone already present within the team.
Internal promotions to renovate the structure?
Red Bull would like to replace Wheatley with internal resources, avoiding looking for external figures to fill the void left by the sporting director. This approach has been confirmed by some sources within the team, who see the promotion of existing members as a strategy to renew and strengthen the management structure. The decision is in line with the objective of maintaining cost control, respecting the maximum limit imposed by Formula 1.
Christian Horner will continue to hold the reins but the recent departures of Wheatley and Newey require a significant reorganization of the pit wall. Among the possible internal promotions, Gianpiero Lambiase, currently responsible for race engineering and Max Verstappen's track engineer, is one of the most likely names to take on new responsibilities. Furthermore, the team could reinstate the role of team manager, a position that had previously been integrated into Wheatley's duties.
The challenges of an internal transition
The decision to promote internal resources presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it can promote continuity and cohesion within the team, taking advantage of the experience and familiarity of existing members. On the other hand, the inevitable change in roles and responsibilities can create uncertainty and requires a period of adaptation.
The departures of key figures such as Wheatley and Newey could prompt speculation about a possible crisis within the team. However, it is possible to interpret these events as part of a natural evolution, where veteran staff give way to new generations. This transition, if managed correctly, could prove to be an opportunity to reinvigorate the team and maintain a high level of competitiveness.
The main challenge for Red Bull will be to demonstrate that the success achieved in recent years was not exclusively linked to the presence of Wheatley and Newey. With 2025 and the new 2026 regulations on the horizon, the team must prepare to maintain and possibly improve their performance. Recent difficulties with the RB20 updates and the team's internal dynamics, including the handling of the Perez affair, highlight the need for strong, cohesive leadership.
Wheatley's departure represents a significant loss, but the choice to promote internal resources could be a winning strategic move for Red Bull. The success of this transition will depend on the team's ability to adapt quickly and make the most of the talent and experience of its members. Only time will tell if this decision will lead to a positive renewal or if it will mark the beginning of a phase of decline for the reigning champion team.
