Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast F1 News and Views March 2026
17 snips
Mar 22, 2026 They dig into Adrian Newey’s surprise exit and the resulting leadership chaos at Aston Martin. They explore engine partnerships, Honda deal missteps and why power unit strategy matters. There is debate over team culture, management structures and high-profile hire complications. They also cover McLaren’s integration problems, dyno indexing, postponed Middle East races and the case for a mid-season factory break.
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Owners Should Fund And Then Step Back
- Owners should hire experienced motorsport leaders and then step back to let them run operations.
- Scott Tuffy and Jonathan Simon recommend Lawrence Stroll fund facilities but avoid micromanaging technical and managerial decisions.
Honda Partnership Suffered From Late Due Diligence
- Aston Martin's Honda partnership failed due to late due diligence and a different Honda personnel group than expected.
- Panelists say Aston visited the Honda factory months after signing and discovered it wasn't the Red Bull-era outfit Newey assumed.
Wheatley Is Right Fit But Garden Leave Complicates Move
- Jonathan Wheatley is the logical Aston Martin candidate but gardening leave and salary/cost-cap implications complicate timing.
- Panelists discuss Wheatley's Audi contract, potential pay to buy him out, and top-three exempt slots affecting recruitment.