Following Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure from Audi F1, rumors have intensified: the experienced executive could join Aston Martin and potentially reshape the management structure.
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These speculations reached their peak this week, with some suggesting Wheatley’s arrival to take charge of daily operations as team principal, allowing Adrian Newey to focus on his more technical role as Managing Technical Partner.
But the team’s ambassador Pedro De la Rosa (photo above) was both cautious and firm in response to these rumors, during a speech in Japan: “That will not change.”
Stability first
When asked by Sky Sports F1 about a possible arrival of Wheatley to lighten Newey’s workload, de la Rosa initially hesitated before clarifying the team’s position: “For now, we remain… Our structure is…, he began. We are satisfied with what we have, and with the way we have organized the team, with Adrian as team principal. But he is more than a team principal, he is also Managing Technical Partner.”
“Jonathan left Audi. We should not comment on this type of situation. We don’t know why he left, or the exact circumstances,” he added. “The only thing we know is that our team principal is Adrian Newey. And that will not change. We must believe in our structure and stop modifying it.”
A clear message internally: prioritize stability despite the speculation, in a team nonetheless marked by recent changes at its head.
A door slightly ajar… but not open
The question of a future arrival of Wheatley remains nonetheless in suspense. De la Rosa did not completely close the door, without opening it either: “Not for now. We should not comment on rumors and speculation. We must also respect what Jonathan wants to do in the future.”
This phrasing — “not for now” — leaves room for speculation, particularly due to a possible “gardening leave” period.
These rumors come in a complicated sporting context for Aston Martin in 2026. The new Honda engine is suffering from strong vibrations, to the point of damaging batteries and raising concerns for drivers.
Increased pressure amid difficulties
In this context, evoking a strengthening of management seems logical, but de la Rosa insists on the need to remain focused on internal work: “You have to face the public, explain when things are going well and when they are not. It is very important to be transparent, to explain things correctly, because people want to understand why we are so slow. We are not satisfied, but they must know that we are fighting. There is no time for frustration or disappointment. We must work hard, harder than others, with a very good strategy.”
For now, Aston Martin’s position is clear: Newey remains in place, the structure is maintained and Wheatley is not on the agenda. But in Formula 1, where everything evolves very quickly, the situation could still change. One thing is certain: all eyes remain on Silverstone.
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