Audi Names Lee Stevenson Team Manager as 2026 F1 Debut Nears

Overview

• Lee Stevenson, formerly Max Verstappen’s chief mechanic at Red Bull, has been promoted from Sauber chief mechanic to Team Manager at Audi.
• Jonathan Wheatley, another ex-Red Bull figure, is performing team principal duties as the Hinwil operation transitions to Audi’s works entry.
• Audi confirmed its R26 power unit completed a first fire-up on December 19, marking a key step toward the 2026 campaign.
• The team plans a shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday using permitted filming days under F1 regulations.
• Audi will unveil the R26 livery in Berlin on January 20, with the first official pre-season test scheduled the following week at Barcelona.