Audi Formula 1 project chief Mattia Binotto has spoken out for the first time since Jonathan Wheatley quit as Team Principal last week, revealing the Englishman was ‘relieved of his duties’.
Wheatley sensationally vacated his position as the German squad’s boss late last week, amid speculation that he was being lined up by Aston Martin to take the same role.
The former Red Bull Sporting Director had led the team since last season, in its final campaign as Sauber amid its transition into the Audi-branded outfit.
News of Wheatley’s departure came as a shock, particularly to driver Nico Hulkenberg, who revealed that he exclaimed: “Oh s**t!” when informed about it by his mother via text message.
Rumours circulated that Binotto and Wheatley had endured a falter in their working relationship, with Hulkenberg appearing to confirm this to media including Motorsport Week at Suzuka this week.
Naturally, many had been waiting for Binotto to speak out on the issue himself, and the former Ferrari Team Principal made his first comments to Sky Germany.
“That came as a great surprise,” he said of Wheatley’s departure. “Sometimes things just happen that way. Last Friday, Jonathan told us that he couldn’t commit to Audi in the long term for personal reasons.
“We can’t judge that; we have to respect it. As a consequence, we as a team decided to relieve him of his duties.
“Jonathan was very well integrated into the team and had a significant influence.”
Binotto, who will assume the role on an interim basis, also revealed that it will not be actively looking for another Team Principal to replace Wheatley.
“We’re not looking for a new Team Principal,” he confirmed. “I now need to reorganise and take a closer look at the team’s structures.”
Audi are not short of figureheads within its ranks to replace Wheatley, and perhaps Binotto is believing that keeping stability within the Hinwil-based outfit will be to choose against appointing an outsider, as the team has enjoyed a bright start to its maiden campaign.
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