Jonathan Wheatley has formally announced his departure from the Audi Formula 1 organization, prior to his anticipated transfer to Aston Martin.
Autosport disclosed earlier this week that Adrian Newey was expected to relinquish his responsibilities as team principal, a role he took on just three months prior, to instead concentrate on engineering aspects; his replacement would be Audi’s current team head, Wheatley.
This decision follows Aston Martin’s highly unfavorable beginning to the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations period, as persistent oscillations from the Honda power unit hindered the Newey-conceived AMR26 from finishing full grand prix events, attributable to challenges with battery dependability and worries about driver well-being.
The squad’s current struggles come despite massive financial commitments from its billionaire proprietor, Lawrence Stroll, aimed at transforming the Silverstone-located group into a championship competitor, evidenced by a cutting-edge facility staffed with top-tier F1 engineering talent such as Newey and ex-Mercedes key figure Andy Cowell.
Wheatley, whose career began as a mechanic and progressed through positions at Benetton, Renault, and Red Bull – where he eventually became team manager then sporting director – has held the position of team principal for Sauber/Audi for the past twelve months.
His primary objective at Aston Martin involves steering the team towards recovery, a challenging endeavor considering their paramount need for a potent and dependable engine assembly.
Jonathan Wheatley, Audi F1 Team Principal
Photo by: Dom Gibbons / Formula 1 via Getty Images
In the interim, Audi has confirmed that Mattia Binotto, currently leading the Audi F1 initiative, “is set to remain at the helm of the team, simultaneously assuming expanded duties as team principal.”
Audi’s official communication further stated: “The definitive organizational framework for the team will be established subsequently, as the entity progressively adjusts to the dynamic landscape of Formula 1.”
“Backed by the steadfast dedication of AUDI AG, the Audi Revolut F1 Team intends to advance steadily with the goal of contending for championships by the year 2030.”
Audi presently occupies the ninth position in the 2026 constructors’ standings, having experienced mechanical failures that sidelined both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto from one grand prix apiece before the events even commenced.
Aston Martin’s proprietor, Lawrence Stroll, issued a counter-statement, declaring: “As the Executive Chairman and Controlling Shareholder, I wish to underscore that Adrian Newey serves as my collaborator and a significant equity holder. He holds the role of AMR’s Managing Technical Partner, and our relationship is a genuine partnership founded upon a mutual aspiration for the enterprise’s triumph.
“Our operational approach here is distinct, and while we currently forgo the conventional Team Principal position observed in other organizations, this is a deliberate strategic choice.”
Adrian Newey, Aston Martin Racing
Photo by: Joe Portlock / Getty Images
“Given his status as the sport’s most accomplished engineer, Adrian’s principal concentration lies in strategic and technical direction, areas in which he truly excels. He receives backing from a highly proficient Senior Leadership Team, ensuring execution across all facets of the operation, encompassing both the Campus facilities and trackside activities.
“We routinely receive inquiries from high-ranking personnel at rival teams expressing interest in joining Aston Martin Aramco; however, in adherence to our established policy, we refrain from commenting on hearsay and conjecture.”
