Audi F1 Restructures Leadership as Wheatley Departs

Audi’s Formula 1 project has undergone a significant leadership change with the immediate departure of Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley. The move comes just two rounds into the 2026 season, with former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto stepping in to assume Wheatley’s responsibilities as announced by Audi.

Wheatley’s Departure and Binotto’s New Role

Wheatley is leaving Audi for personal reasons, according to a team statement. He joined the project in April 2025, overseeing the transition of the Kick Sauber team to the works Audi effort for the 2026 season, including a points finish in the debut race as detailed in Audi’s official press release.

Mattia Binotto, who already serves as Head of Audi F1 Project, will now as well take on the role of Team Principal. This marks Binotto’s return to a team principal position after his departure from Ferrari at the end of 2022 according to MotorBiscuit.

Audi’s Future Ambitions

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner emphasized the team’s commitment to its long-term goals. “We are grateful to Jonathan Wheatley for his contribution to the project during the crucial entry phase and wish him all the best for the future,” Döllner stated. “Mattia Binotto and the team will continue to pursue the path we have chosen with determination. Our focus remains unchanged: we are concentrating all our efforts on building a team competing at the highest level that will challenge for world championships in Formula 1 by 2030.”

The team statement indicates that further details regarding the future management structure will be announced as the organization adapts to the evolving landscape of Formula 1.

Potential Link to Aston Martin

Speculation suggests Wheatley’s departure may be linked to a potential role with Aston Martin, potentially replacing Adrian Newey as reported by MotorBiscuit, yet, this has not been officially confirmed.