A statement by Mattia Binotto in Japan could provide a clue as to the possible background to the surprising exit of team principal Jonathan Wheatley
Has Audi F1 project manager Mattia Binotto possibly unwittingly let slip the reasons for team principal Jonathan Wheatley’s surprising retirement at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka? The 56-year-old Italian made it clear on Saturday that Audi would not be filling the role of the Briton.
“I don’t think we are looking for a new team principal for the future,” said Binotto, who has taken over from Whealey, and added: “I will keep the role, but I need support on the race weekends as I can’t always be on site myself.”
“My focus is primarily on the factory, where there is the most to change – I would say not just to develop, but to fundamentally transform,” added the project manager. “That’s why support on the race weekends is essential.”
Wheatley’s departure came as a surprise to many in the team, especially Nico Hülkenberg, who only found out about it when his mother sent him a link to an online article. There were also no outward signs.
Was Wheatley unhappy with his role?
However, Binotto’s statement that he could basically do the work himself, with someone else taking his place on race weekends when he didn’t want to be there, provides a clear indication of a possible reason for Wheatley’s search for another team.
Binotto is used to taking on several roles at the same time: At Ferrari, he retained operational management of the development department even after his promotion from technical director to team principal. Wheatley, on the other hand, clearly saw his move to Audi as a career springboard after his position as sports director.
While the role of team principal has changed over the years as they are now mostly employees rather than owners, Wheatley spent two decades at Red Bull under Christian Horner, who expected every aspect of the team’s business to be presented to him. The Briton wanted to move away from this.
However, Binotto’s statements suggest that the team principal position at Audi is interpreted much differently than Wheatley originally expected. Instead of a classic overall responsibility at the track, the role was apparently primarily designed as a supporting function under Binotto.
Mattia Binotto: “It’s not about individuals”
In any case, it would not be surprising if Wheatley was unhappy that his new role did not represent the expected improvement. If this is the case, he will be all the more annoyed that his former boss downplayed his performance in Japan in recent months.
“I have to say that the team remained very focused and concentrated this weekend. The team also performed very well operationally this weekend,” said Binotto after the Japanese Grand Prix with a little side-swipe.
“And we can be satisfied, because it shows that in the end it’s not about individuals. It’s about the team. What counts most is the team. That’s why I’m not worried about the future because of individuals.”