Red Bull accepts Wheatley’s Sauber start date, but hangs on to Courtenay

Pink Bull has agreed an earlier exit for future Sauber staff principal Jonathan Wheatley, whereas letting McLaren wait on sporting director Will Courtenay.

Wheatley was introduced as Sauber’s future staff boss final August, however continued in his long-time position as Pink Bull’s sporting director by way of the 2024 season.

Motorsport.com understands Wheatley, who has labored for Pink Bull since 2006, has now gone on gardening go away whereas operating down the ultimate months of his Pink Bull contract.

As a substitute of becoming a member of Sauber in July, Pink Bull has now agreed to launch Wheatley by 1 April, which means the 57-year-old can be a part of his new staff shortly after the beginning of the 2025 season, and earlier than the third spherical of the marketing campaign in Japan.

In the meantime, Sauber already confirmed on Wednesday that its team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi is leaving the Swiss squad in anticipation of Wheatley’s arrival, with CEO Mattia Binotto seemingly taking over further duties till his new rent is in place.

Former Ferrari chef Binotto paid tribute to Alunni Bravi on Wednesday, saying he was “a real staff participant who got here to embody the essence of Sauber all year long. Alessandro performed a variety of roles throughout the staff, steering it by way of troublesome and thrilling instances alike.

“As he strikes onto a brand new enterprise, the entire firm want to thank him for all his vitality and contributions over time and need him the most effective for the longer term.”

Courtenay to stay on Pink Bull pit wall earlier than McLaren swap

Pink Bull has additionally introduced that its technique chief Will Courtenay will stay in his position with the staff by way of the 2025 season, slightly than securing an earlier exit to his new employer McLaren.

Courtenay was introduced by McLaren in September as its new sporting director, reporting to racing director Randeep Singh because the newly-crowned world champion outfit shores up its racing operations.

However whereas it was anticipated to barter an earlier launch, Pink Bull has now revealed it’s planning for Courtenay to see out his present contract till the center of 2026.

It’s now understood Courtenay will stay on Pink Bull’s pit wall in his position as Head of Technique for the 2025 season, earlier than getting into a gardening go away interval following its conclusion.