Adrian Newey, the celebrated Formula 1 designer, is set to step back from his role as team principal at Aston Martin, focusing instead on the technical aspects of the team’s operations. The move, confirmed by multiple sources, comes as Aston Martin struggles to find its footing with its new Honda power unit and navigate a difficult start to the 2026 season. This shift in leadership aims to alleviate pressure on Newey and allow him to concentrate on the areas where his expertise is most critical – the design and development of the cars themselves.
Newey’s journey to team principal at Aston Martin was somewhat unconventional. He initially joined the team in March 2025 as managing technical partner and shareholder, a role that leveraged his renowned design skills. However, with the departure of Andy Cowell, Newey assumed the full responsibilities of team principal at the start of this season. Now, the team is poised to bring in Audi’s current team boss, Jonathan Wheatley, to take over the day-to-day leadership, according to reports from Motorsport.com and Sky Sports.
A Difficult Start with Honda
The decision to shift leadership comes amid significant challenges for Aston Martin. The team’s partnership with Honda, intended to propel them towards championship contention, has been plagued by issues. The new power unit has exhibited severe vibrations, causing concern for drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Newey himself publicly addressed the problem, stating that the vibrations posed a risk of permanent nerve damage to the drivers if they held the steering wheel for extended periods, as reported by ESPN. Video footage from the Chinese Grand Prix showed Alonso repeatedly lifting his hands off the steering wheel to alleviate the discomfort.
Beyond driver safety, the Honda engine has also proven unreliable, reportedly destroying two of Aston Martin’s four allocated batteries during the opening race in Australia. This has raised concerns about potential grid penalties later in the season.
Wheatley’s Experience and Newey’s Future Role
Jonathan Wheatley, the prospective new team principal, brings a wealth of experience to Aston Martin. He currently leads Audi’s F1 team, having joined them last May alongside CEO Mattia Binotto. Prior to Audi, Wheatley spent 20 years at Red Bull Racing, including a significant period working alongside Newey during the team’s dominant years. This existing relationship is believed to have played a role in his potential appointment, with some suggesting Newey himself may have endorsed the move.
While stepping down as team principal, Newey is not expected to leave Aston Martin entirely. Sources indicate he will remain a key figure within the organization, focusing on the technical development of the cars. The new structure will reportedly see Wheatley report directly to Newey, ensuring the legendary designer retains ultimate authority over all technical matters and continues to work closely with team owner Lawrence Stroll.
Other Candidates Considered
Aston Martin explored several other candidates for the team principal role before settling on Wheatley. Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, was approached but ultimately decided to remain with Red Bull. Former McLaren boss Andreas Seidl was also considered, but was not pursued, according to sources.
Wheatley’s move to Aston Martin would mark a swift exit from Audi after just 10 months. His departure could potentially disrupt Audi’s preparations for their full entry into Formula 1 in 2026. However, the opportunity to reunite with Newey and lead a team with significant investment, including a state-of-the-art headquarters and wind tunnel, appears to be a compelling one.
Aston Martin has declined to comment on the speculation surrounding its senior leadership team, stating only that Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner.
The next steps for Aston Martin involve finalizing the agreement with Jonathan Wheatley and outlining the new organizational structure. The team will be looking for a significant improvement in performance as they continue to work through the challenges with the Honda power unit and strive to realize their ambition of becoming a front-running contender in Formula 1.
Share your thoughts on this developing story and Aston Martin’s future in the comments below.
