Audi F1 project in turmoil
Audi’s fledgling F1 effort is described as ‘in chaos’ after just two races — the team has managed only two championship points and is battling reliability problems and internal upheaval. Reports point to senior departures and growing questions over technical direction as Audi scrambles for answers early in the season. (gpfans.com)
Jonathan Wheatley departed Audi Revolut F1 with immediate effect on March 20, 2026, the manufacturer said in a press release citing “personal reasons” and naming Mattia Binotto to take on Team Principal duties in addition to his role as Head of the Audi F1 Project. (audi-mediacenter.com) Binotto’s Audi biography lists him as responsible for aligning power‑unit work in Neuburg with chassis operations in Hinwil and the Bicester technology centre, and confirms he formally assumed extra team‑principal responsibilities in March 2026. (audi-mediacenter.com) Pre‑season Barcelona running exposed limited mileage for Audi’s new package: the team completed just 27 laps on Day 1 and had reached 95 laps by the start of the final test day, figures Binotto described as “not dramatic” but indicative of lost track time. (grandprix247.com) Independent analysis flagged Audi as the sole works manufacturer to introduce a completely in‑house power unit for 2026, a factor said to have magnified an “unprecedented” catalogue of technical issues and steepened the team’s learning curve. (paddock-gp.com) Press outlets reported approaches linking Wheatley to an Aston Martin job before his exit, and industry commentary says Audi must now restart the hunt for a permanent team principal while Binotto provides short‑term leadership. (gpfans.com (the-race.com)) Audi CEO Gernot Döllner reiterated the manufacturer’s long‑term objective to “challenge for world championships in Formula 1 by 2030,” while commentators have identified immediate priorities as restoring consistent running, rectifying power‑unit faults and appointing a permanent team principal. (audi-mediacenter.com (the-race.com))
