Mattia Binotto takes on the role of team principal as Jonathan Wheatley departs the German team with immediate effect.

Today's press release, which follows claims, denied by Aston Martin, that Wheatley was to replace Adrian Newey at the Silverstone-based outfit, reads as follows:

"As it continues its journey towards the front of the grid, Audi Revolut F1 Team will implement significant changes to its senior management structure.

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.

Mattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project, will continue leading the team while taking over additional responsibilities as Team Principal. Since joining at the helm of the project in 2024, Mattia has been in charge of the transformation of the team as Audi prepared for and ultimately entered F1 as a chassis and power unit manufacturer.

The team's future structure will be fully defined at a later stage, as the organisation continues to adapt to the evolving environment of Formula One. With the unwavering commitment of AUDI AG, Audi Revolut F1 Team will continue progressing towards challenging for championships by 2030."

With no comments from either Wheatley or Binotto, could it be that the "personal reasons" relate to the Briton having held 'secret' talks with Aston Martin?

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Chester, 25/03/2026 15:25

"I don't begrudge anyone's choice of how to spend their money- or their large ego. Lawrence Stroll is a success by any measure. The FIA, not Stroll, has had a much, much larger impact on the current situation.

And crowding out possibly better driver's by keeping his son in the seat? It is one seat- and money talks.

I hope Lawrence Stroll eventually succeeds. "

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2. Posted by TokyoAussie, 23/03/2026 13:10

"Genuinely surprising news. I think Wheatley is one of most likable uncontroversial members of the paddock. I hope that this isn't because a know-nothing billionaire had a brain fart."

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3. Posted by trackrecords, 21/03/2026 18:21

""Leaving Audi due to 'personal reasons'"" Oh how I wish that I had 'personal reasons' of a 'horse-choking' wedge of money to save a billionaire's embarrassment at Honda making him look a fool."

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4. Posted by Dirt, 21/03/2026 2:13

"<Boom!> And just like that, Mattia Binotto is now back in the Team Principal role he had at Ferrari that everyone said he shouldn't have been in in the first place because he was much better at just being an Engineer, only now it's at Audi. Adrian Newey is a fantastic Engineer who ended up in the Team Principal role at AM. I'm seeing a trend here...

I'm a Mechanical Engineer / Engineering Manger by trade an I've had past discussions with Project Managers about why the Engineers seem to end up doing everyone else's jobs. The joke at the time was that difficult jobs gravitate to those who can do them... "

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5. Posted by BillH, 21/03/2026 0:09

"Thats a shame for Audi and a bit of a surprise after watching DTS where Wheatley seemed very committed to the project and the people."

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6. Posted by Superbird70, 20/03/2026 17:49

"Two races in and this whole season is already nucking futs.

Next up Toto Wolff to Alpine along with the full HPP engine coding."

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Wheatley out as Audi announces restructure

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