The Race F1 Podcast Audi's loss, Aston's gain? How a Wheatley move would help Newey
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Mar 20, 2026 Scott Mitchell-Malm, an experienced F1 journalist and analyst, breaks down the Aston Martin and Audi leadership shuffle. He discusses why Adrian Newey’s TP role seemed temporary. He explains why Aston needs a hands-on team principal and what Jonathan Wheatley would bring. They explore Audi’s rapid response and the potential organisational and cultural impacts.
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Why Newey Couldn’t Sustain The Team Principal Role
- Adrian Newey was a poor long-term fit as Aston Martin team principal because the role diverted him from his core technical work.
- Scott Mitchell-Malm and Edd Straw say Newey preferred design focus and the TP job created internal confusion after November 2024 leadership changes.
Stroll Driven Leadership Creates Constant Restructuring
- Aston Martin lacks a consistent leadership identity because Lawrence Stroll exerts hands-on control and frequently shifts management structures.
- Scott points to repeated role changes (Zaffnauer, Crack, Cowell, Newey) creating mixed messages internally and externally.
Wheatley Leaves Audi Abruptly And Binotto Steps In
- Jonathan Wheatley left Audi suddenly for "personal reasons" and Audi rapidly appointed Mattia Binotto to assume team principal duties.
- Edd and Scott describe the swift Audi statement and the likelihood of further structural changes after an abrupt departure.