Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Mattia Binotto admitted that Audi do need to address the gap left behind by Jonathan Wheatley, and will do so in due time.
Wheatley left his team principal role at Audi, after his family was reportedly unhappy in Switzerland and sought a return to England.
Wheatley reportedly didn’t have Mattia Binotto’s approval when he joined the team, as the Audi COO reportedly had more say within the team.
Audi confirm Jonathan Wheatley’s exit – Who should take over as their team principal?
Binotto and Wheatley clashed several times behind the scenes, creating an uncomfortable power struggle within Audi.
However, it appears Mattia Binotto isn’t keen on taking over Jonathan Wheatley’s responsibilities as team principal.
READ MORE: Gabriel Bortoleto just shared exactly why Aston Martin want his former Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley
Mattia Binotto says he can’t ‘fill the gap’ left behind by Jonathan Wheatley
In an interview with DAZN, Mattia Binotto spoke about Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from Audi and how it will impact the team.
Binotto said he can’t add more responsibilities to his current role, and added that the team will look to appoint a new team principal very soon.
“Fill the gap? Yes, we need to fill the gap. I can’t, myself, simply add more and more responsibilities and tasks. My main focus is the factory base where we need to transform the team, where we develop the car and the power train.
“We need someone to support the team on race weekends. We are considering it. We will organise ourselves, and I’m pretty sure, very soon, we can announce it.”
Binotto didn’t say that Audi were looking externally to appoint a new team principal, suggesting that Wheatley’s replacement could be someone already at Audi.
READ MORE: Ferrari staff barely even acknowledge unpopular Mattia Binotto in the Formula 1 paddock
Can Mattia Binotto add another podium to his tally in 2026 now that he is at the helm of Audi?
Let us know in the comments below!
Jonathan Wheatley’s exit could expose significant problems at Audi
With Jonathan Wheatley now gone from Audi, the rest of the management structure has to compensate for his absence till he is replaced.
Wheatley’s exit could reveal Audi’s internal problems, as not having an immediate replacement will force their staff to be spread thin.
On top of that, Audi’s factory locations have no solutions, forcing whoever is next in line to coordinate between three different teams across Switzerland and England.
The hope for Audi is that their new replacement can be appointed before the Miami Grand Prix in May, as not being prepared for the resumption of the season could squander their current momentum.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
