Aston Martin moved to quash speculation on Thursday that Adrian Newey was to be replaced as team boss, insisting the acclaimed designer remained in charge as reports linked Audi’s Jonathan Wheatley with a leadership role at the Silverstone team.
Motorsport.com has reported that Newey will step down from his leadership duties to concentrate on technical matters, with Wheatley, currently at the Audi factory in Switzerland, returning to Britain to take charge. Aston Martin quickly bounced back.
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“The team will not engage in media speculation about its senior management team,” the team said in a statement. “Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Leader and Executive Technical Partner.”
Audi acknowledged the reports but offered little clarity. “There is no official update from our side at this time and we do not comment on speculation,” a team spokesperson said.
A team under pressure
The speculation comes at a difficult time for Aston Martin, which has yet to score a point in the opening two races of the season. Their new Honda power unit was a significant source of concern as it lacked power and produced strong vibrations that caused drivers to struggle behind the wheel.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso retired from the past Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix after losing feeling in his arms and legs, with on-board footage showing the Spaniard taking his hands off the steering wheel whenever possible to ease the discomfort.
Newey’s Rocky Start
Newey, 67, joined Aston Martin from Red Bull last year as a shareholder and took over as team boss this season, replacing Andy Cowell who moved into a strategic role. His cars have won 14 drivers’ titles and 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams, making him one of the most decorated figures in the sport’s history.
Wheatley, who worked alongside Newey at Red Bull as sporting director before joining predecessor Audi Sauber in April last year, will face a lengthy period of gardening leave before being able to take up any new role at the rival team.
The Canadian team, whose line-up consists of Alonso and owner Lawrence Stroll’s son Lance, finished seventh last season with Mercedes engines. The next race at Suzuka on March 29 is a home affair for Honda but is unlikely to offer immediate respite for the troubled manufacturer.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
20 March 2026 14:13 IST
