Audi boss exits suddenly
Audi announced team principal Jonathan Wheatley has stepped down after just two races for personal reasons — Reuters says he’s set to join Aston Martin as Audi hunts a replacement. The abrupt exit has sent the paddock scrambling and put Audi’s early‑season leadership under the microscope. (reuters.com) (gpfans.com)
Audi’s corporate release put Mattia Binotto in charge of team‑principal duties in addition to his role as Head of the Audi F1 Project, effective immediately. (audi-mediacenter.com) Binotto’s résumé includes serving as Scuderia Ferrari’s team principal from 2019–2022 and joining Audi’s F1 effort in 2025 to lead technical and strategic build‑up. (audi-mediacenter.com) Audi’s statement records that Jonathan Wheatley had been part of the Hinwil project since April 2025 and that the rebranded Audi Revolut F1 operation scored points on its March 2026 debut. (audi-mediacenter.com) Autosport and other outlets report Adrian Newey is refocusing on technical work at Aston Martin, a development that has accelerated speculation and quick leadership moves across rival teams. (autosport.com) Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll told media the team “does not comment on rumour and speculation” as ownership and management statements circulate. (thestar.com.my)
