Former Formula 1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya has tipped Audi to sign Christian Horner as its new Team Principal following the abrupt departure of Jonathan Wheatley.
The resignation of Jonathan Wheatley just two races into the 2026 season shocked the F1 paddock, leaving Audi’s future direction in disarray.
Rumours abounded that the reason behind his departure was linked to an imminent announcement confirming him at Aston Martin, fuelled by a desire by the Briton to return to the UK.
However, as the weeks have rolled by, no confirmation has come through, other than Aston Martin confirming it is looking at a change of leadership.
The role of Team Principal at Audi remains a mystery, with Head of F1 Project Binotto stepping in to take the reins in the interim.
Former race winner Montoya has questioned the long term feasibility of this move, the Columbian hinting that it may not suit the Italian’s strengths.
“I mean, Mattia has an uphill battle, because I don’t think he wanted to be fully involved,” Montoya said to talkSPORT.
“Yeah, I think he wanted to be in the background.
“So I would assume they’re probably looking for somebody to come in and fill that gap.”
Christian Horner to the rescue for Audi?
Audi is attempting to find its place in F1, having morphed into its current form from Sauber, after slow phased takeover from the German giant.
Its fledgling journey mirrors that of Red Bull from the ashes of the failed Jaguar F1 project by Ford, the drinks giant bringing in Christian Horner to oversee the team.
Horner went on to become the longest serving Team Principal in the modern era, running the team from 2005 to his departure midway through 2025.
Montoya believes the Briton’s legacy could provide the longevity that Audi seeks. They need somebody like Christian to do that.
“I think people underestimate what Christian has done, how long he did it for, and what he achieved. You might like him, you might hate him, but he could deliver.”
Montoya’s rally cry for Audi to sign Horner is the latest twist in a saga that Audi does not need in its inaugural year in the sport.
Weathering this self-inflicted storm requires quick but methodical thinking; the longer the team goes without an announcement, the more questions will be asked about its future prospects.
Discussion about this post