Guenther Steiner says Lawrence Stroll is replacing Adrian Newey to save Aston Martin’s ‘image’

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Guenther Steiner can understand why Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll wants a new team principal. Adrian Newey is expected to step down from the role and return to his previous position of managing technical partner.

Aston Martin’s start to the season has been just as disastrous as winter testing foretold. They have suffered double DNFs in both races so far and are posting comparable lap times to newcomers Cadillac.

In a statement on Friday, Stroll reaffirmed Newey’s ‘importance’ to Aston Martin but didn’t deny the rumours of an imminent restructure. Jonathan Wheatley, who has just left Audi, is expected to take over as team principal.

Is Jonathan Wheatley the right man to get Aston Martin back on track in 2026?

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Guenther Steiner suspects Lawrence Stroll ran ‘out of patience’ at Aston Martin

It’s extremely rare for a team to take such drastic action at this stage of a season, but Steiner told sport.de that the ‘image’ of Aston Martin is now at stake after their desperate start.

Unreliability is nothing new, and several other teams have been affected after the winter rule changes, albeit to a lesser extent. But Aston Martin’s car has appeared unsafe at times, with Fernando Alonso forced to take his hands off the wheel multiple times during the Chinese GP due to excessive vibrations.

Newey publicly stated in Australia that the drivers risked permanent nerve damage if they completed too many consecutive laps. This is bound to be the main source of embarrassment for Stroll.

The Canadian businessman has invested the best part of £1bn in the hope of making Aston Martin world champions, but they are currently bottom of the constructors’ standings.

Steiner said: “I think there’s something to it. Naturally, I have my sources. It’s understandable that Aston Martin wants to do something after the start of this season.

“Yes, it hasn’t happened before, but the pressure in Formula 1 is constantly increasing if you’re not successful. Many people simply run out of patience because so much money is at stake, and also the image.”

However, Steiner isn’t optimistic that Wheatley, who will have to serve a period of gardening leave, will make an immediate impact: “Things won’t improve for Aston Martin in the next two or three races just because Jonathan Wheatley is coming.

“I think it will take a few months, if not a year, before we really see any change.”

Jonathan Wheatley exit will have no impact on Audi, Guenther Steiner claims

Wheatley only joined Audi forerunners Sauber in April 2025 after leaving Red Bull. The German manufacturer have only been able to field one car in their first two races, but they immediately scored points in Australia.

That encouraging start, in terms of pace at least, makes Wheatley’s exit all the more surprising.

However, it’s said that Wheatley clashed with Mattia Binotto behind the scenes and also wants to return to the UK after moving to Switzerland.

• READ MORE: Aston Martin realised Adrian Newey is not suited to team boss role after hearing his Honda outburst

With Binotto absorbing the team principal responsibilities for the moment, Steiner is confident of a smooth transition.

“I don’t think there will be any problems at Audi when Jonathan leaves,” he said. “Not much will change at Audi.”