Aston Martin is facing fresh scrutiny over its leadership structure, just two races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, with reports that Adrian Newey is to step down as Team Principal.
Newey’s position at the helm has come into focus amid a difficult start to the campaign, leading to questions as to why the 67-year-old was not present at last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
The speculation was quickly shut down by Trackside Engineering Officer Mike Krack, who explained that Newey was never going to be present at all Grands Prix this year regardless.
Aston has been one of the teams facing the most attention so far this year, but for all the wrong reasons, as the Silverstone-based squad has been fraught with issues, stemming from its Honda power unit.
Newey was frank about the issues the team was facing at the season-opener in Australia, revealing that both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were facing “permanent nerve damage” if they drove for more than a certain amount of laps.
And the team has suffered to double-DNFs in both Australia and China, as the team continues to work with the Japanese marque to improve the beleaguered power unit.
Now, a further bombshell has dropped in the form of a report from Motorsport.com that Newey is to step down from his post, but not leave the team altogether.
If true, Newey is expected to place greater emphasis on technical development as the team works through early setbacks with its AMR26.
Who might replace Newey at Aston Martin?
Jonathan Wheatley has emerged as a leading candidate to strengthen the Aston Martin leadership structure.
He is currently leading Audi’s F1 project, and his return to the UK would come less than a year after joining the German manufacturer, although the timing depends on his existing contract.
Wheatley would bring extensive experience, having spent two decades at Red Bull before joining Audi.
Motorsport Week understands that the possibility of Wheatley jumping ship would be a long shot at present, as he is happy with his position leading the German squad through its nascent steps in F1.
But it could prove a temptation, as Wheatley would be reunited with some of his old Red Bull colleagues.
In a statement issued to Motorsport Week, Aston Martin said: “The team will not be engaging in media speculation about its senior leadership team. Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner.”
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