F1 Today | Wheatley exits Audi, Aston Martin shares statement on Newey

The Brit, who had opted to leave Red Bull after nearly two decades to take on a key position within Sauber’s transition into Audi as team principal, has now officially exited the project.

Audi confirmed the decision in an official statement, explaining that Wheatley has stepped away with immediate effect due to personal reasons, while thanking him for his contribution during a crucial phase of the programme. The announcement forms part of a wider restructuring of the team’s senior management as it continues its push towards the front of the grid.

In the wake of his exit, Mattia Binotto will remain at the helm of the Audi F1 project and will also assume the role of Team Principal, further consolidating his responsibilities. Since taking charge in 2024, Binotto has overseen the transformation of the team as Audi prepared for its entry into Formula 1 as both a chassis and power unit manufacturer, and will now lead the next phase of its development under a revised leadership structure.

Talk of a potential move to Aston Martin for Wheatley has gathered momentum in recent days, with the Brit linked to a leadership role that would effectively allow Adrian Newey to concentrate solely on technical matters.

In a statement, Lawrence Stroll said that Newey remains fully embedded at the heart of the project. The Canadian emphasised that Newey is not only a key technical figure but also a partner and shareholder, highlighting the close working relationship and shared vision that underpin the team’s structure.

Stroll also stressed that Aston Martin has intentionally moved away from the traditional team principal model, instead opting for a more distributed leadership approach.