F1 team announce huge change on the eve of 2025 season as Red Bull man returns to sport

A former key staff member at Red Bull will make his return to the sport in 2025, his new team have confirmed.

The 2025 season will see a number of notable driver changes, with Lewis Hamilton racing for Ferrari for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix and Carlos Sainz moving to Williams.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, is one of six rookies on the grid, while Liam Lawson will team up with Max Verstappen at Red Bull after replacing Sergio Perez.

There are a number of staff changes, too, with Adrian Newey commencing work at Aston Martin after leaving Red Bull.

Another Red Bull departure is Jonathan Wheatley, who left his role as sporting director last year before commencing a spell of gardening leave.

The 57-year-old joined Red Bull in 2006 - the second year of the team - and played a considerable role in their success over the 18 years that followed.

His next destination will be Kick Sauber, who finished bottom of the Constructors' Championship standings last season.

Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley pictured (Image: Getty)

Wheatley's arrival as team principal was already confirmed last year, with his signing coinciding with Sauber's continued transition into becoming the Audi works team from 2026.

They have now officially announced that Wheatley will begin on his duties on April 1, 2025, and will work with current chief technical officer Mattia Binotto.

A statement reads: "Jonathan Wheatley will take up the role of Team Principal of Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber from April 1st, 2025.

"Wheatley, a highly respected and successful leader in Formula One, will make his race debut as Team Principal at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

"Together with Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, Wheatley will jointly lead the management team at Sauber Motorsport AG."

Wheatley has yet to officially comment on his arrival.

Sauber will have an all-new driver lineup for 2025, as Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto teams up with Nico Hulkenberg.

Hulkenberg joins the team from Haas, having secured 10 points finishes last season as well as nine appearances in Q3.

Both drivers have signed multi-year contracts with the team, meaning they will be in position for the transition to Audi from next season.