Nico Hulkenberg has appeared to confirm rumours of friction within the Audi Formula 1 team preceding the exit of former boss Jonathan Wheatley by admitting there was ‘obviously a problem’.
The Briton quit the German squad last week, amid growing speculation that he was being targeted by Aston Martin in a planned backroom reshuffle for the Silverstone-based team.
Wheatley’s departure brings an end to the former Red Bull man’s tenure with the team, which began last season during its transition from Sauber, leaving its project head Mattia Binotto to temporarily hold the fort on the pit wall.
The manner of Wheatley’s exit appeared to sun veteran Hulkenberg, who revealed his mother was the one to inform him of the news during his preparations for the race.
“I found out together with the world. I found out on Thursday,” the German told media including Motorsport Week ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“Last week, Thursday, when it popped out.
“Actually, I was in the sim that day and my mum sent me an article. And I’m between run looking at my phone and I’m like, ‘oh s**t!’.”
‘If there’s a problem, you have to take action’: Hulkenberg reveals internal Audi struggles
Whilst Wheatley’s exit was attributed to “personal reasons,” rumours circulated that the sudden departure was caused by a rift with former Ferrari Team Principal Binotto.
Audi has not publicly commented on the issue, but Hulkenberg appeared to make the revelation that some sort of internal issue triggered Wheatley’s exit.
But there was also a philosophical acceptance of the issue from the 38-year-old, who seemed to take the view that such problems would be a restriction for the team.
“I mean, it’s part of the business. If you look up and down, every team has that,” Hulkenberg said. “And there are sometimes these phases.
“But if there is a problem, a fundamental problem, with one of the central leaders of the team, then you have to take action.
“Obviously, here there was a problem. I don’t know the exact details. I haven’t really spoken to him in depth yet.
“But if there’s an issue, you also need to act and react. Otherwise, that’s no good either.
“Having said all that, focus goes back to racing, to driving tomorrow. And once this race weekend goes on the way, it’s back to business as usual.”
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport Week at the United States Grand Prix last year, it appeared that Wheatley was thoroughly enjoying his role.
So where the disconnect arose is currently unclear, but it seems that there was certainly issues arising within Hinwil that sparked Wheatley’s decision, leading to the conclusion that rumours of Newey’s plotted pivot back to a more technical role was a mere coincidence.
But with Wheatley now in the shop window, Aston would be silly not to take a look.
READ MORE – Honda delivers telling update as Aston Martin woes continue
Discussion about this post