Stake F1 Team Principal Reflects on 'Baptism of Fire' After Red Bull Exit

Stake F1 Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has opened up about his demanding first months in the new role following his departure from Red Bull, where he played an integral part in multiple championship wins.

Why it matters

Wheatley, a veteran sporting director from Red Bull, took on the leadership role at Stake ahead of its significant transition to Audi in 2026. His experience and leadership are crucial as the team aims to climb the grid, having shown a notable improvement this season.

The details

Wheatley's tenure began trackside at the Japanese Grand Prix in April, marking what he described as a "baptism of fire."

• Initial Transition: "It was an unusual start to the season for me," Wheatley told RacingNews365. "I spent most of my life wearing blue... and now I'm wearing black and green."
• Early Challenges: He recounted watching the first two races on his iPhone due to technology issues in his new Swiss apartment before fully integrating with the team.
• Warm Welcome: Despite the rapid change, Wheatley found the reception "brilliant" and felt an immediate connection, having known many team members since the first Sauber F1 car test.
• Demanding Schedule: "The first five months, nearly six months now... I do every race, and I'm in the factory every day in between," highlighting the intense logistics of the race calendar.

Stake F1 has made significant strides, tallying 55 points after 16 rounds in 2024, a vast improvement from their last-place finish with four points the previous year. A season highlight was Nico Hulkenberg securing his career-first podium at the British Grand Prix.

How the move happened

Wheatley revealed that his career has been shaped by "three major career phone calls." Speculation about his departure from Red Bull began around the Miami Grand Prix last year, which fueled subsequent conversations with other teams.

• Personal Ambition: "I've always been hugely ambitious for the team that I work with, to make that team the strongest and the best team that it can be," he stated, noting his personal career was a byproduct of this drive.
• Loving the Role: "I find it quite surprising that somebody who started as a mechanic in 1991 is now a team principal of a modern F1 team. But honestly, I'm loving the job. This team feels like my team right the way through to the core already."

What's next

As Stake prepares for its transformation into Audi in 2026, Wheatley is focused on continuing to elevate the team's performance and position within the Formula 1 pecking order, leveraging his extensive experience to achieve new successes.