Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 chief executive, has been left stunned by Jonathan Wheatley\u2019s decision to leave the Audi F1 team.<\/p>\n
It comes ahead of an expected move to the Aston Martin team in a move first reported by PlanetF1.com earlier this week.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Wheatley to leave Audi F1 team ahead of expected Aston Martin move<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> to your favourites list for news you can trust<\/p>\n Wheatley was appointed the first-ever team boss of the Audi F1 team in the summer of 2024, officially linking up with the then-Sauber outfit in April last year.<\/p>\n The former Red Bull sporting director made an impressive impact at Hinwil, with Nico Hulkenberg claiming the first podium of his F1 career \u2013 and Sauber\u2019s first since 2012 \u2013 at last year\u2019s British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n PlanetF1.com revealed on Wednesday that Aston Martin has been actively looking to appoint a new team principal<\/a> with Adrian Newey, who was appointed team boss at the end of last year, leading the search.<\/p>\n Jonathan Wheatley set to become Aston Martin team principal after Audi F1 exit<\/p>\n Who is Jonathan Wheatley? Adrian Newey\u2019s primary Aston Martin target<\/a><\/p>\n F1 team principals: How long has each team boss been in charge?<\/a><\/p>\n Audi went on to announce the departure of Wheatley with immediate effect on Friday.<\/p>\n Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team boss who has headed the Audi F1 project since July 2024, is to replace Wheatley as team principal.<\/p>\n Ecclestone has been left surprised by the development, claiming only personal considerations would persuade Wheatley to draw a line under his stint at the Swiss-based outfit.<\/p>\n Sources have indicated to PlanetF1.com that a desire to return to the United Kingdom has played a role in the decision of Wheatley, who was very happy in the role of Audi F1 boss.<\/p>\n Ecclestone told Swiss-German publication Blick: \u201cThat\u2019s actually impossible.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would only make sense if he doesn\u2019t like it in Switzerland and wants to go back to England.\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement issued to PlanetF1.com by Audi read: \u201cAs it continues its journey towards the front of the grid, Audi Revolut F1 Team will implement significant changes to its senior management structure.<\/p>\n \u201cDue to personal reasons, Jonathan Wheatley will depart the team with immediate effect.<\/p>\n \u201cThe team thanks Jonathan for his contribution to the project and wishes him the best for his future endeavours.<\/p>\n \u201cMattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project, will continue leading the team while taking over additional responsibilities as Team Principal.<\/p>\n \u201cSince joining at the helm of the project in 2024, Mattia has been in charge of the transformation of the team as Audi prepared for and ultimately entered F1 as a chassis and power unit manufacturer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe team\u2019s future structure will be fully defined at a later stage, as the organisation continues to adapt to the evolving environment of Formula One.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the unwavering commitment of Audi AG, Audi Revolut F1 Team will continue progressing towards challenging for championships by 2030.\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement released by Aston Martin a short time later, Lawrence Stroll reaffirmed his confidence in Newey.<\/p>\n Stroll said: \u201cWith the current speculation surrounding Adrian Newey\u2019s role in our team, I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Executive Chairman and Controlling Shareholder, I would like to reaffirm that Adrian Newey is my partner and an important shareholder.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is AMR\u2019s Managing Technical Partner, and he and I have a true partnership built on a shared vision of success for the company.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do things differently here, and while we don\u2019t currently adopt the traditional Team Principal role that you see elsewhere \u2013 it is by design.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the most successful engineer \u200bin the history of the sport, Adrian\u2019s primary focus is on the strategic and technical leadership where he excels. He is supported by a highly skilled Senior Leadership Team to deliver on all aspects of the business, both at the Campus and trackside.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are regularly approached by senior executives of other teams who wish to join Aston Martin Aramco, but in keeping with our policy, we do not comment on rumour and speculation.\u201d<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n