Overview
- Audio officially announced Jonathan Wheatley has left his team principal role with immediate effect, with Mattia Binotto taking over his responsibilities in the short term.
- Multiple outlets report Wheatley is expected to become Aston Martin’s next team principal, a move that has not been formally confirmed by the Silverstone outfit.
- Aston Martin issued a statement rejecting media speculation and stating that Adrian Newey continues to lead as team principal and technical director, while Lawrence Stroll publicly reinforced Newey’s strategic and technical leadership.
- Reports indicate Newey would step back from day-to-day management to focus solely on car design, following a poor start for the AMR26 and reliability concerns tied to the Honda power unit.
- The timing of any Wheatley arrival at Aston Martin remains unclear due to contractual obligations and potential gardening leave, with coverage noting his desire to return to England and his long collaboration with Newey at Red Bull.