Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Bernie Ecclestone believes Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from Audi to take over Aston Martin as team principal is fueled by an unexpected motivation.
Wheatley will take over for Adrian Newey as team principal, as the latter looks to focus more on car construction matters at Aston Martin.
Newey’s criticism of Honda led to Wheatley’s arrival, as many within Aston Martin felt Newey being so vocal in criticising a partner and supplier was not a good look.
Is Jonathan Wheatley the right man to get Aston Martin back on track in 2026?
What was your immediate reaction to the news? Let us know in the comments below!
There is a hope that Wheatley can help Aston Martin’s brand exposure, as the team had been struggling in that department since Adrian Newey took over team principal duties.
But it appears Jonathan Wheatley’s motivation to leave Audi for Aston Martin was more to do with the team’s location rather than their tumultuous project.
READ MORE: Guenther Steiner says Lawrence Stroll is replacing Adrian Newey to save Aston Martin’s ‘image’
Bernie Ecclestone says Jonathan Wheatley likely left Audi to return to England with Aston Martin
There has been a lot of speculation as to why Jonathan Wheatley would leave what looked like a growing, albeit glacially, project at Audi for a disastrous situation at Aston Martin.
Bernie Ecclestone, in speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, noted that Wheatley’s departure doesn’t make much sense outside of his desire to leave Switzerland, where Audi is headquartered, in favour of returning to England.
“That’s actually impossible… It would only make sense if he didn’t like it in Switzerland and wanted to return to England.”
For Wheatley, the prospect of working out of Silverstone, just an hour away from his hometown of Beaconsfield, would have been a huge motivating factor.
However, given what Wheatley said about living and working in Switzerland, it’s certainly clear that his perspective has shifted over the last few months.
READ MORE: Juan Pablo Montoya raises ‘political’ concern for why Jonathan Wheatley has left Audi
Audi confirm Jonathan Wheatley’s exit – Who should take over as their team principal?
Jonathan Wheatley was enjoying ‘extraordinary’ stint in Switzerland
Back in November, during an Audi event, Jonathan Wheatley was asked about his time working with Audi in Switzerland. In his response to Swiss media, Wheatley was effusive in his praise of the experience.
“I was really well-prepared for the job, and thinking about what joining another Formula 1 team was like. I hadn’t realised just how much I’d love Switzerland.”
“My wife is there. Our dogs are there. I absolutely love our apartment… The Swiss experience is extraordinary.”
Either Wheatley gave a diplomatic response to Swiss media at that moment, or something has gone awry in his relationship with Audi for him to pivot.
It could be possible that Wheatley has been eyeing a move to another team for some time. And despite all their issues, Aston Martin present a great opportunity for growth, and a low threshold for success early on.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
