Aston Martin have moved to squash reports that team principal Adrian Newey is set to step down in the wake of the team’s disastrous start to the Formula One season. The Silverstone-based squad have suffered double DNFs in both races so far, after struggling to find answers to the concerning vibration issues from the car’s Honda power unit.
Neither two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, nor Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll have been able to finish races at the Australian GP and in China. And the troubling issue has prompted fears that their star drivers could suffer permanent nerve damage as a result of prolonged exposure to the cars.
Aston Martin has responded to reports Adrian Newey (far left) will step down from his role as team principal after their disastrous start to the F1 season. Pic: Getty
The situation improved slightly in Shanghai, however battery failure ended Stroll’s hopes at the Chinese GP and Alonso was also forced to retire due to discomfort from driving the car. It’s been an unmitigated disaster for billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll and Aston Martin team principal Newey, prompting widespread reports that the latter was set to step down from his role.
Newey was originally hired by Aston Martin as a design specialist charged with delivering the team a championship-winning car. And in November last year he was also handed the team principal role, with many questioning at the time whether he was able to juggle both jobs.
Aston Martin says Adrian Newey remains their team principal
That scrutiny around Newey intensified this week with reports Aston Martin were looking for a new team principal, in a move that would allow him to revert back to his original design role. Current Audi chief Jonathan Wheatley’s name has been floated as a potential replacement, as well as another one of Newey’s old Red Bull colleagues – sacked former team principal, Christian Horner.
But Aston Martin have rejected the reports in a statement to leading publication, RacingNews365. “The team will not be engaging in media speculation about its senior leadership team,” the Aston Martin team said in a statement. “Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner.”
Audi chief Jonathan Wheatley (L) has reportedly been lined up to replace former Red Bull colleague Adrian Newey (R) as the team principal at Aston Martin. Pic: Getty
(Mark Thompson via Getty Images)
Audi have also distanced themselves from the rumours after providing a statement to the publication. An Audi spokesperson said: “We are aware of the recent media reports. There is no official update from our side at this point in time and we do not comment on speculation.”
However, insiders have reportedly told BBC Sport that Aston Martin owner Stroll has offered Wheatley the team principal role, with a view that Newey would work alongside him as their managing technical partner. The report adds that while no contract has been signed yet, a move back to the UK is appealing to Wheatley, who is currently based in Switzerland where Audi’s chassis headquarters are located.