Will Jonathan Wheatley join Aston Martin after leaving Audi? If David Coulthard has his way, it would be a great opportunity
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has spoken out in favor of Jonathan Wheatley as the new team principal at Aston Martin after he left the Audi F1 project. Audi officially confirmed on March 20 that the Briton had resigned from his role as team principal with immediate effect for personal reasons – and this after he had only joined the team in 2025.
Following the Brit’s departure, he is now being heavily linked with a move to Aston Martin. According to the rumor mill, Adrian Newey could step down from his role as Team Principal in order to concentrate fully on his responsibilities as Managing Technical Partner.
Denial from Lawrence Stroll
Aston Martin has so far denied this speculation. “As Executive Chairman and majority shareholder, I would like to reiterate that Adrian Newey is my partner and an important shareholder. He is the Managing Technical Partner of AMR. He and I have a true partnership based on a shared vision for the success of the company,” clarified Lawrence Stroll.
The Canadian added: “We do things differently here. The fact that we don’t currently occupy the traditional team principal role, as is the case elsewhere, is fully intentional.”
Coulthard: “Would bring him into my team at any time”
While the rumors were discussed on the Up To Speed podcast with Will Buxton, Jolie Sharpe, Naomi Schiff and David Coulthard, the former Red Bull driver took up the cudgels for Wheatley. Coulthard, who has already worked with him in Milton Keynes, gave an insight into Wheatley’s character as a “fighter”.
“I think you’re misjudging Jonathan in terms of his meekness,” said Coulthard. “I know he’s a fighter. He will do what is necessary – and with a sporting ethic. I’m a big fan of Jonathan and would bring him into my team at any time.“
Meanwhile, Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 project, confirmed that the racing team will present a new team principal ”very soon”. In the meantime, Binotto has taken over the duties of team principal on an interim basis.
