Jonathan Wheatley has said goodbye. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Shock at Audi: Formula 1 team boss resigns

Audi's new Formula 1 works team has to change its team principal after just two races this season.

March 20, 2026

From: dpa/det

Briton Jonathan Wheatley will leave the racing team with immediate effect, the car manufacturer announced. Mattia Binotto, head of Audi's Formula 1 project, will now also take over the duties of team principal. The 56-year-old was previously team principal at Ferrari and orchestrated the separation from Sebastian Vettel.

Audi announced, however, that the complete future management structure would be determined at a later date. The team will "continuously develop its organizational structures to sustainably achieve our common goal," CEO Gernot Döllner was quoted as saying.

Mattia Binotto is now taking on additional responsibilities. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Wheatley's departure comes at a time when Audi, with its regular German driver Nico Hülkenberg (38), is in the midst of the team's ongoing development process. The 58-year-old had taken over the position almost a year ago, when the team was still operating under its previous name, Sauber.

Prior to this, Wheatley had worked for Red Bull for a long time, celebrating world championship titles with the team in various management positions. According to media reports, however, he had recently been interested in relocating his primary residence from the team's headquarters in Switzerland back to his native England.

Is Wheatley switching to Aston Martin?

It is speculated that Wheatley will move to rival Aston Martin and take over Adrian Newey's duties as team principal. Due to problems with engine partner Honda, neither of the team's drivers has been able to finish a race this season. Newey, revered in Formula 1 as a design genius, is therefore expected to focus even more on developing a competitive car.

Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll issued a statement backing co-owner Newey. Stroll stated that Newey focuses primarily on the strategic and technical leadership of the team and delivers outstanding results in this area. "We are regularly contacted by executives from other teams who wish to join Aston Martin Aramco. However, in accordance with our company policy, we do not comment on rumors and speculation," Stroll added.

It remains to be seen whether Wheatley would be immediately available for Aston Martin or whether he would first be forced to take a break from Audi for contractual reasons before he is allowed to take on a new job.