Sauber begins a bold new chapter with Jonathan Wheatley, while F1 veteran Beat Zehnder shifts focus after decades at the helm.
Monday marks the end of an era at Sauber F1. Beat Zehnder, a cornerstone of the Swiss team for over three decades, officially steps away from his key operational role.
Starting Tuesday, April 1st, Jonathan Wheatley – the highly respected former Red Bull sporting director – begins his new chapter as Sauber’s Team Principal. He’ll work alongside Mattia Binotto, steering the team into its future under the Audi banner.
For Zehnder, who has been part of Sauber’s DNA since the early 1990s, the arrival of Wheatley signals a major transition. After 571 Grands Prix, he’ll no longer be trackside in an active sporting role, beginning with next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
At 59, Zehnder isn’t disappearing – just shifting focus. His new title, “Director of Heritage and Strategic Operations,” reflects a move toward preserving the team’s legacy and guiding its long-term vision.
Zehnder Bows Out, Wheatley In
Speaking to long-time friend and F1 journalist Roger Benoit in Blick, Zehnder remained upbeat.
“We’re all excited to welcome Wheatley,” he said. “After so many races, I won’t be in the front line anymore – but I’ll definitely still be involved behind the scenes.”
Zehnder’s story with Sauber actually began before the team even entered Formula 1 – back in its endurance racing days. Ironically, he recalls not being very interested in racing at first.
“I’ve been travelling with Sauber for 37 years,” he reflected. “But I won’t miss Imola – the team will celebrate its 600th Grand Prix. Who would have thought, back when I went to South Africa in 1993 for my first F1 race?”
Roger Benoit paid tribute to Zehnder’s relentless dedication.
“Fans owe him a lot,” Benoit wrote. “Without Beat, there might not even be a Sauber today. At one point, he even paid the team’s hotel bills out of his own pocket.”
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New era at Sauber: Zehnder out, Wheatley steps in
New era at Sauber: Zehnder out, Wheatley steps in
