Team principal Wheatley leaves new F1 team Audi after two races
Jonathan Wheatley, management spokesman for the Audi Revolut F1 Team, speaks at Kraftwerk Mitte during a media round before the presentation of the Audi Revolut works team's Formula 1 racing car. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley is leaving Audi after just two races, the new Formula One works team said on Friday, with Mattia Binotto taking over. Soeren Stache/dpa Team principal Jonathan Wheatley is leaving Audi after just two races, the new Formula One works team said on Friday, with Mattia Binotto taking over.
"Due to personal reasons, Jonathan Wheatley will depart the team with immediate effect. The team thanks Jonathan for his contribution to the project and wishes him the best for his future endeavours," a statement said. "Mattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project, will continue leading the team while taking over additional responsibilities as Team Principal.
" Binotto is a former Ferrari team principal who has been at the helm of the Audi project since 2024. The German car maker entered F1 this season, having bought Swiss team Sauber. Wheatley took the job a year ago then at Sauber, having previously worked at Red Bull.
Audi claimed two championship points in the first race in Australia from Gabriel Bortoleto's ninth place. There has been speculation that Wheatley will move on to Aston Martin and take over the duties of Adrian Newey as team principal. Aston Martin have struggled with new engine partners Honda and are yet to complete a race.
Design ace Newey is to focus developing a competitive car. The next race is on March 29 in Japan.