One week after Jonathan Wheatley’s shock departure as Audi F1 team principal for personal reasons, drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto gave mixed reactions ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. F1 TV’s Lawrence Barretto called it a 'shock decision' amid the team’s leadership vacuum, with Audi now eighth in constructors’ standings.
Following last week's announcement of Jonathan Wheatley’s immediate exit from his role as Audi F1 team principal—less than a year after joining during the Sauber transition—the focus has shifted to reactions and updates.
F1 TV presenter Lawrence Barretto described the move as a 'shock decision' on the Weekend Warm-Up show. 'Jonathan came into the team just under a year ago... they had this dual partnership with Mattia Binotto... now it's moved to a point where Mattia Binotto takes on those duties,' he said, noting the team is currently 'lacking' in day-to-day leadership.
Audi, now eighth in the constructors’ standings with two points from Gabriel Bortoleto’s ninth-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix, saw drivers respond ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday. Bortoleto was unsurprised: 'When you have personal things to put in place, that's the priority,' reflecting internal team clarity. Hulkenberg, learning of it via his mother while simulating, reacted with 'Oh, sh*t.' He praised Wheatley as 'very involved' and 'hands-on' but downplayed the impact: 'A Formula 1 team is made of many people... with Mattia obviously still a leader.'
Mattia Binotto continues handling day-to-day operations as Audi implements senior management changes. Wheatley has been linked to Aston Martin’s team principal role.