Audi parts with Wheatley
Audi’s F1 outfit has unexpectedly parted ways with team principal Jonathan Wheatley after just two races — Wheatley is set to join Aston Martin in a leadership role (gpfans.com). Reuters confirms the departure was announced March 20 and frames it as a sudden paddock shake‑up with immediate implications for both teams (reuters.com).
Mattia Binotto, already Head of Audi’s F1 project, has been assigned Binotto will assume Wheatley’s Team Principal responsibilities in addition to his existing role. (formula1.com) Audi said the squad’s “future structure will be fully defined at a later stage” and reiterated its target to be capable of challenging for world championships by 2030. (formula1.com) Wheatley joined Audi’s Sauber‑to‑works transition last April after a long spell at Red Bull and is credited with overseeing improved results including a maiden podium for Nico Hülkenberg at Silverstone during his tenure. (formula1.com) Multiple outlets report Wheatley is expected to move to Aston Martin to fill a senior leadership vacancy created as Adrian Newey steps back from day‑to‑day team principal duties to focus on technical development. (autosport.com) Aston Martin had earlier dismissed speculation as “rumour and speculation,” even as motorsport reporting said Newey would return to an exclusively technical role and Wheatley was the leading candidate to replace him. (independent.co.uk) Audi’s statement thanked Wheatley for his contribution during the team’s entry phase and named Gernot Dollner as the company executive expressing that Binotto and the existing group will “continue to pursue the path we have chosen.” (formula1.com)
