Overview
- ESPN and multiple outlets report Adrian Newey will step back from team principal duties to focus exclusively on technical development of the troubled AMR26.
- Aston Martin has approached Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley to run race operations under Newey’s technical leadership, though no agreement is signed.
- Aston Martin and Audi publicly describe the coverage as speculation and state that Newey continues in his roles pending any formal decision.
- Any Wheatley switch would be constrained by his Audi contract and could involve lengthy gardening leave, delaying a potential move.
- The push to restructure follows severe Honda power-unit vibration and reliability problems that caused double DNFs and driver safety concerns in Australia and China, with other candidates also sounded out for the role.