Jonathan Wheatley has left his role as team principal at the Audi F1 team with immediate effect. The Swiss team confirmed the news on Friday, with Mattia Binotto set to become team boss in addition to his existing duties.
Audi gave personal reasons for Wheatley’s departure and their statement was brief. “The team thanks Jonathan for his contribution to the project and wishes him the best in his future endeavours,” the team said.
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Wheatley’s departure comes on the same day Aston Martin moved into deny reports that Adrian Newey has been sidelined as their team leader. Motorsport.com reported that Newey would stand aside to focus on technical matters, with Wheatley returning to Britain from the Audi factory in Switzerland to replace him. Aston Martin quickly shut it down.
“The team will not engage in media speculation about its senior management team,” Aston Martin said. “Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Leader and Executive Technical Partner.” Image: Instagram Story/Audi F1 Team
NEW STRUCTURE AT AUDI
Binotto took over as head of the Audi F1 project in 2024 and was at the center of the team’s transformation. He oversaw Audi’s entry into Formula 1 as both a chassis and powertrain manufacturer and will now add the premier team title to his role.
“Since taking the helm of the project in 2024, Mattia has been in charge of the team’s transformation as Audi prepared for and eventually entered F1 as a chassis and powertrain manufacturer,” it said in a statement.
WHEATLEY’S ROAD
Wheatley spent years at Red Bull as sporting director, working closely with Newey during their dominant years in the sport. He joined predecessor Audi Sauber in April last year. His stay proved short.
With Wheatley now a free agent, all eyes will be on Aston Martin. The Silverstone team are in serious trouble but haven’t scored a point this season as their Honda power unit has bad problems. Fernando Alonso even lost feeling in his hands and feet during the race China Grand Prix due to strong vibrations from the car.
The F1 paddock won’t have long to wait to find out what comes next.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
20 March 2026 20:54 IST
