The Wheatley era forces Beat Zehnder out of F1.

      "We're all excited about Wheatley joining us."

      Monday marks the last day of Sauber's veteran Beat Zehnder in a key management role at the Swiss team. Starting Tuesday, April 1, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will step in as the new team boss, guiding Sauber into its new era under Audi ownership. For Zehnder, who most recently served as sporting director but is best remembered as Sauber’s team manager since the onset of Peter Sauber’s F1 journey in the 1990s, Wheatley’s arrival signifies the conclusion of a chapter.

      For the first time in several decades, Zehnder will not be part of the race team from Suzuka onwards. He will take on the uniquely titled role of ’director of signature programs and operations’. The 59-year-old shared with Blick newspaper that he isn’t too disheartened.

      "We’re all excited about Wheatley joining us," he expressed to his friend and veteran F1 journalist Roger Benoit. "After 571 races, I won't be in charge anymore. But I'll definitely still have responsibilities behind the scenes."

      Zehnder reminisced that his journey with Sauber began even before Peter Sauber launched the team in the early 90s, "despite my lack of interest in racing at that time." He noted, "I’ve been traveling with Sauber for 37 years now. However, I won't miss Imola because the team will celebrate its 600th grand prix. Who would have imagined that back when I went to South Africa in 1993?"

      Benoit honored his friend, stating, "The fans should be grateful to Zehnder for his persistence. Without him, Sauber might not even exist. At one point, he even paid the team's hotel expenses from his own funds."