--- title: "Audi F1 Boss Jonathan Wheatley Rumored to Replace Adrian Newey at Aston" date: "2026-03-19" modified: "2026-03-19" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/audi-f1-boss-jonathan-wheatley-rumored-to-replace-adrian-newey-at-aston" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Audi F1 Boss Jonathan Wheatley Rumored to Replace Adrian Newey at Aston ![Audi Formula 1 Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley is at the Formula 1 China Shanghai sprint race at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, on March 14, 2025. (Photo by Marcel van Dorst/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)]() A report by *[Motorsport.com]()* claims that current Audi F1 team principal [Jonathan Wheatley]() will replace Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, as the famed [Formula 1]() designer is [expected to renounce his position]() at any moment. It's worth noting that neither move has been confirmed by either team and remains purely speculative. However, the potential move is reportedly attributed to the Silverstone-based team's failure to finish the first two races of the year, and this reorg will allow Newey to focus purely on the car's technical aspects and how it interacts with Honda's power unit. Meanwhile, Wheatley would focus on running team operations. An Audi F1 spokesperson confirmed to *The Drive* that it is aware of the media reports of Wheatley's move, but did not provide confirmation. "We are aware of the recent media reports," the team's spokesperson told *The Drive.* "There is no official update from our side at this point in time, and we do not comment on speculation." ![MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Adrian Newey, Team Principal of Aston Martin F1 Team and Lawrence Stroll, Owner of Aston Martin F1 Team in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 08, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)]() **Joseph Portlock** However, the original report somewhat contradicts itself when mentioning Wheatley's move to Aston, first stating that it's set to happen but later noting that the "timing of the move \[will\] depend on his Audi contract." While I personally find this unlikely, given Wheatley's journey from Red Bull Racing to a short stint at Sauber, then the long road to getting Audi F1 off the ground, F1 is a sport full of surprises. And needless to say, there is some credence to the rumor, given Wheatley and Newey's long and successful working relationship at Red Bull, where Wheatley served as sporting director and made a significant contribution to the team's success. With the Japanese Grand Prix coming up next weekend, whatever changes will go into effect at Aston Martin and possibly Audi will have to be announced in the coming days. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()