Mattia Binotto has now realised that Jonathan Wheatley’s Audi exit was ‘inevitable’ all along

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Mattia Binotto has now realised that Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from Audi was ‘inevitable’ all along. 

Back in 2025, Wheatley joined Sauber as team principal ahead of the their transformation to Audi, after successful years with the likes of Benetton, Renault and Red Bull. 

However, in March 2026, it was confirmed that Wheatley had left Audi due to ‘personal reasons’.

Binotto took over Wheatley’s responsibilities before the arrival of Allan McNish, who has become Audi’s Racing Director.

At the time, Binotto admitted he was ‘surprised’ by Wheatley’s departure, despite reports of ‘clashes’ between the pair. 

Can Mattia Binotto add another podium to his tally in 2026 now that he is at the helm of Audi?

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Mattia Binotto says Jonathan Wheatley’s Audi exit was ‘inevitable’

Speaking recently on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Binotto admitted that although Wheatley’s exit was ‘unexpected’, it felt ‘inevitable’. 

Binotto said: “I think it came as a surprise to a lot of us, yes. Out of the skies, as you would say. It came as a surprise; I think it was inevitable in a way that he could not commit. 

“So, once the team has been informed, there is no other solution. It has been great working with him. He was part of that initial transformation we are discussing.

“He brought a lot of his experience and his background, but at the end, the way it has happened, as I said, unexpected, but as a team, we need to look forward.”

Here’s how the championship standings look after the Canadian Grand Prix! Does George Russell have to take more risks now?

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Mattia Binotto labels Allan McNish an ‘expert’ despite difficult start

Since McNish took on the role of Racing Director at Audi, the team have endured a couple of tough weekends. 

In Miami, Nico Hulkenberg failed to finish the race and Gabriel Bortoleto only managed P12.

Last weekend in Canada was another pointless race as Hulkenberg and Bortoleto came home 12th and 13th.

Despite this, Binotto is happy with McNish’s impact, labelling him as an expert who knows the job.

Binotto said: “I’m very happy with Alan, I have to say, Allan is now covering at least operationally the responsibilities of Jonathan at the race track.

“Since Miami, it has been a very difficult weekend for us, his first weekend in a row. It was really a tough one. But, the way you can see, he is an expert; he knows the job. I am sure he will bring the value.”