'Adrian Newey steps down as Aston Martin team principal with Audi's Wheatley set to replace'
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 20:50, 19 Mar
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Fresh rumours from the UK suggest a shock move at Aston Martin, with Adrian Newey set to step down as team principal, and Audi's Jonathan Wheatley eyed as his replacement.
Legendary designer Newey arrived at Aston Martin in March 2025, and was made team principal for the 2026 season, but after a nightmare start for the Silverstone team, changes could already be in the offing.
Aston Martin have scored zero points in the opening two rounds of 2026, with their AMR26's extreme vibrations potentially causing 'permanent nerve damage' to drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, according to Newey.
Wheatley to replace Newey as Aston Martin team principal - report
Jonathan Wheatley - Photo: Audi Revolut F1 Team Content Hub
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Motorsport.com report that Newey is set to step down from his role as team principal after just four months, while Audi boss Wheatley is the favourite to replace him after only 10 months as team principal for the German manufacturer.
According to the report, Newey steps down "in order to focus exclusively on technical matters," while the timing of Wheatley's potential move could depend on his Audi contract.
It is noted the Aston Martin move would be attractive to Wheatley, despite their issues, as while he did enjoy autonomy at Audi, coexisting with Binotto meant he did not have "the same leeway" as a team principal would normally expect.
The publication also note it is Newey who may have recommended Wheatley, as the two worked together at Red Bull for almost two decades, bringing 13 world titles to Milton Keynes.
In a statement to GPblog, Aston Martin have since responded: “The team will not be engaging in media speculation about its senior leadership team.
“Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner.”
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Meanwhile, when asked whether Mercedes potentially becoming a shareholder in Alpine could influence the way the team operates or affect dynamics in areas such as the F1 Commission, executive advisor Flavio Briatore was clear in his response.
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