Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 20 March 2026
Aston Martin Formula 1 is set to lose design mastermind Adrian Newey as team principal, after just four months in the role.
News of this massive shake-up was first published by motorsport.com, stating he’ll step down to focus on technical matters.Â
When this happens, Newey will be replaced by current Audi F1 team boss Jonathan Wheatley.
No information surrounding Newey’s departure from the role has been released, but Aston Martin has had an unfortunate start to the 2026 season.
Due to issues with the Honda power unit, the Newey-designed AMR26 hasn’t been able to complete a whole race throughout the two Grand Prixs so far.
According to reports, vibrations caused by the engine have made the car basically undrivable for long periods of time.
It’s also unclear what Newey’s new job at Aston Martin will entail, but this technical work is likely a way to keep him within the company until matters are sorted.
Wheatley comes in at a time when Aston Martin seemingly has nothing to lose, meaning any progress will be positive.
It’s likely he was chosen by owner Lawrence Stroll as the two spent two decades together working at Red Bull.
While this looks like a positive for Wheatley, it also leaves Audi without a team principal after two race weekends, meaning they’ll need to fill the role asap.
