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Aston Martin Reportedly Picks Jonathan Wheatley to Succeed Adrian Newey as Team Principal

Any change would hinge on Wheatley’s Audi contract and standard gardening leave.

Overview

  • Motorsport.com and other outlets report Aston Martin has selected Audi executive Jonathan Wheatley, a longtime former Red Bull figure, to take over the team principal role.
  • Aston Martin has declined to confirm the reports, saying it will not comment on speculation and stating Adrian Newey remains team principal and technical director.
  • No start date is known for Wheatley due to contractual obligations with Audi and the non-compete gardening leave typically required for senior F1 hires.
  • Coverage indicates the reorganization would allow Newey to concentrate exclusively on car design and development rather than team management.
  • The leadership chatter follows a poor start to 2026 marked by reliability and vibration issues linked publicly by Newey to the Honda power unit at the Australia and China rounds.