F1: Jonathan Wheatley Parts Ways With Audi; Set to Replace Adrian Newey at Aston Martin?

The Audi Formula 1 project has taken an unexpected turn, with Jonathan Wheatley stepping away from his role with immediate effect. He was appointed to lead Audi’s transition from the Sauber setup into a full works team, making this exit earlier than expected. With Wheatley no longer part of the project, Mattia Binotto has taken full control of both technical and sporting operations. This change simplifies the leadership structure and places all key decisions under one person. For a project of this scale, having a clear direction could help Audi maintain steady progress towards its Formula 1 journey.

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Wheatley is now being linked with a move to the Aston Martin F1 Team, where he is expected to take on the Team Principal role. The Silverstone-based team has been investing heavily in its infrastructure, including a new wind tunnel and upgraded factory. Bringing in someone with strong experience in race operations and sporting regulations could support its push to become a consistent front-running team.

This potential move follows the reported decision by Adrian Newey to step down from his role as Aston Martin team principal. While Newey has held the dual title of team principal and managing technical partner since the start of the 2026 season, he is expected to return to a purely technical brief to address the reliability issues plaguing the AMR26.

Wheatley’s expertise in sporting regulations and trackside operations is intended to provide the leadership required to manage the race team while Newey focuses on car philosophy.

From Audi’s perspective, this change occurs just two races into its debut season as a full works manufacturer. The 2026 engine cycle and the transition from the Sauber identity represent a critical stage of the project's development.

Overall, this shift reflects the ongoing volatility in team structures following the introduction of the new technical and power unit regulations. Aston Martin is attempting to refine its internal hierarchy after a difficult start to its partnership with Honda, while Audi is centralising its command under Binotto.

Further details regarding Wheatley’s official appointment and the duration of his gardening leave from the Swiss-based squad are expected to be finalised before the next round in Japan.