Friday\u2019s fast-paced F1 news includes Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle being left surprised by Jonathan Wheatley\u2019s Audi F1 exit ahead of an expected move to Aston Martin.<\/p>\n
With Aston Martin issuing a statement following the news of Lance Stroll\u2019s GT3 debut, here\u2019s today\u2019s roundup\u2026<\/p>\n
Martin Brundle surprised by Jonathan Wheatley Audi F1 exit<\/p>\n
Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle says he did not see Jonathan Wheatley\u2019s departure from the Audi F1 team coming despite learning of the development over the Australian Grand Prix weekend.<\/p>\n
PlanetF1.com revealed last month that Wheatley had emerged as Aston Martin\u2019s prime candidate to become its new team boss.<\/p>\n
Audi confirmed the exit of the former Red Bull sporting director 48 hours later.<\/p>\n
Read more: Brundle says his \u2018mate\u2019 Wheatley could join Aston Martin after leaving Audi<\/a><\/p>\n Aston Martin issues pointed statement after Lance Stroll GT3 announcement<\/p>\n Aston Martin says Lance Stroll has \u201calways enjoyed pure racing in all its forms\u201d after the Canadian announced that he will make his GT3 debut next weekend.<\/p>\n It comes in light of criticism among drivers, led by Red Bull driver and four-time world champion Max Verstappen, that the new regulations for the F1 2026 season are too artificial.<\/p>\n Stroll, who has also been critical of the new rules, will compete in the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Paul Ricard on April 11.<\/p>\n Read more: Aston Martin issues pointed statement after Lance Stroll GT3 announcement<\/a><\/p>\n Max Verstappen: Oliver Bearman-type incidents inevitable with F1 2026 \u2018mushroom mode\u2019<\/p>\n Max Verstappen says Oliver Bearman\u2019s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix is simply \u201cwhat you get\u201d when the F1 2026 cars enter \u201cmushroom mode.\u201d<\/p>\n Bearman suffered bruising to his knee following a 50G accident at Suzuka last weekend.<\/p>\n Verstappen believes such incidents are inevitable when \u201cmushroom mode\u201d\u00a0 a term inspired by the Mario Kart video game series \u2013 creates a speed differential of 50-60 kilometres between cars on the straights.<\/p>\n Read more: \u2018Mushroom mode\u2019 \u2013 Max Verstappen weighs in on \u2018very dangerous\u2019 Bearman crash<\/a><\/p>\n Damon Hill: Williams start to F1 2026 season \u2018disheartening\u2019<\/p>\n Williams ambassador Damon Hill has admitted the team\u2019s poor start to the F1 2026 season has been \u201ca little bit disheartening.\u201d<\/p>\n The Grove-based team sacrificed the development of last year\u2019s car in the hope of enjoying a strong start to F1\u2019s new era.<\/p>\n Williams sits ninth in the constructors\u2019 standings with two points after the opening three races.<\/p>\n