Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
David Coulthard has labelled Jonathan Wheatley as a ‘fighter’ in a warning to Aston Martin staff.
Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, it had been revealed by Audi that their team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, had decided to step down from his role within the team.
The decision came with immediate effect, so Wheatley will not be with Audi this weekend at Suzuka, but rumours continue to swirl in the paddock that suggest he will be with Aston Martin.
There has been no confirmation from Aston Martin, who have been struggling in the opening stages of 2026, regarding whether Wheatley will, in fact, join the Silverstone-based constructor later in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Audi confirm Jonathan Wheatley’s exit – Who should take over as their team principal?
David Coulthard says Jonathan Wheatley is a ‘fighter’
During the Up To Speed podcast, David Coulthard spoke highly of Jonathan Wheatley and believes that he would be able to have success at Aston Martin.
Coulthard stated that Wheatley is a ‘fighter’ and that he will do what is ‘necessary’ to be able to fight at the front with whatever team he is a part of.
Coulthard said, “He has risen up through the ranks, from mechanic, to chief mechanic, sporting director, all the way to becoming a team principal.
“For me, he is driven, and he has all the elbows out that are necessary; all these guys are driven, and can smile on the outside, but when they are in the trenches, he is there.”
He added, “I think you guys are misreading how cuddly Jonathan is. I know he is a fighter. He will do what he needs to do with a sporting ethic, and I am a big fan, I would have him in my team any day!”
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!
Adrian Newey had no ‘desire’ to be team principal at Aston Martin
The rumours surrounding Wheatley and his apparent move to Aston Martin would suggest that Adrian Newey would lose his role as team principal at the team after only being promoted at the start of the year.
However, it has since been revealed that Newey never actually wanted the team principal role, and has been a ‘caretaker’ in the position since Andy Cowell stepped down from the role.
It had also been suggested that Newey himself knew that he was not cut out to lead Aston Martin before the opening Grand Prix of the season, which has led to the interest in Wheatley.
But the decision for Aston Martin to look at signing Wheatley away from Audi has raised eyebrows in the Formula 1 paddock as rivals believe Aston Martin may soon be in breach of the cost cap.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
