Jonathan Wheatley
Jonathan Wheatley to replace Adrian Newey as Aston Martin F1 team principal amid 2026 Honda engine crisis
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Adrian Newey is set to step down from his role as Aston Martin Formula 1 team principal after a brief tenure to focus on technical matters. He will be replaced by Jonathan Wheatley, Audi's team principal of just one year, as the team grapples with its new Honda power unit's failures under 2026 regulations. This marks the fifth leadership change since Aston Martin entered F1 in 2021.
Audi Formula 1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley suggests Max Verstappen's strong criticism of the 2026 regulations partly reflects Red Bull's struggles in the early races. Verstappen labeled the new cars as 'anti-racing' and compared them to 'Formula E on steroids' after the China Grand Prix. Wheatley, a former Red Bull sporting director, views the racing positively.
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Mattia Binotto has outlined why Audi selected Jonathan Wheatley as team principal for its Formula 1 entry, emphasizing his championship-winning background from Red Bull. The appointment, effective from April, supports Audi's takeover of the Sauber team ahead of its 2026 debut as a works outfit. Binotto likens the challenge to entering the Champions League, stressing the need for a winning mentality.