Audi has confirmed via a statement in a widely anticipated move, that Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley will depart the Formula 1 team with immediate effect.
As speculation over the position of Team Principal at Aston Martin continues to grow, shock news on Friday may be another piece of the puzzle coming together.
Jonathan Wheatley, currently at Audi, arrived in mid 2025, and immediately began to make a difference at the outfit formerly known at Sauber.
Transforming its operations, he oversaw a dramatic performance turnaround, including an memorable maiden podium for Nico Hulkenberg at the British Grand Prix.
But his future came under intense speculation, as Aston Martin’s rumoured search for a new Team Principal to replace Adrian Newey intensified.
Audi has now confirmed that Wheatley will leave due to “personal reasons”, with no detail behind his sudden departure.
“As it continues its journey towards the front of the grid, Audi Revolut F1 Team will implement significant changes to its senior management structure. Due to personal reasons, Jonathan Wheatley will depart the team with immediate effect,” Audi said in a statement.
“The team thanks Jonathan for his contribution to the project and wishes him the best for his future endeavours.”
Who will replace Jonathan Wheatley at Audi?
Announcing his replacement, Audi confirmed Mattia Binotto will lead the team for an interim period, with further detail of its management structure to follow.
Mattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project, will continue leading the team while taking over additional responsibilities as Team Principal,” the statement continued.
“Since joining at the helm of the project in 2024, Mattia has been in charge of the transformation of the team as Audi prepared for and ultimately entered F1 as a chassis and power unit manufacturer.
“The team’s future structure will be fully defined at a later stage, as the organisation continues to adapt to the evolving environment of Formula One. With the unwavering commitment of AUDI AG, Audi Revolut F1 Team will continue progressing towards challenging for championships by 2030.”
Very rarely does a Team Principal suddenly depart with no end destination. Wheatley’s sudden resignation is a clear sign that not only is he Aston Martin’s chosen target to replace Newey, Lawrence Stroll has succeeded in luring him away.
While speculation at this stage, it does look as if two former Red Bull heavyweights are set for a reunion very shortly.
READ MORE: Aston Martin to hire rival F1 boss as Adrian Newey steps down – report
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