Aston Martin change tack over rampant Jonathan Wheatley rumours

Aston Martin team representative Pedro de la Rosa has not dismissed the possibility that Jonathan Wheatley will join the F1 team in the future.

Wheatley has been the subject of feverish speculation since his sudden departure from Audi a week ago for what was described by the team as 'personal reasons'.

The 58-year-old has since been heavily linked with a move to Aston Martin to become its team principal, taking up the role from Adrian Newey, which would allow his former Red Bull colleague to focus on his initially appointed position as managing technical partner.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll addressed the speculation surrounding Newey immediately after Wheatley's departure, insisting that "I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight", only to conclude by stating that "we do not comment on rumour and speculation" concerning the possibility of other senior executives joining the team.

Addressing the possibility of Wheatley moving to Aston Martin, speaking on Sky Sports F1, De la Rosa said: "At the moment, our structure, we're happy with what we have and how we have organised the team, and Adrian being the team principal.

"But he's more than a team principal. He's actually the managing technical partner. So that's going to remain the same.

"Jonathan has left. We really shouldn't comment on things that are happening. We don't know why he has left. We don't know the situation.

"The only thing we know is that we have a team principal, and it is Adrian Newey, and that will remain unchanged. We have to believe in our structure and not change it anymore."

With Wheatley almost certain to be contractually obliged to serve a period of gardening leave before joining another F1 team, a switch to Aston Martin cannot be dismissed at this stage.

Asked directly, "So Jonathan's not coming to Aston Martin despite all the rumours in the paddock?," De la Rosa replied: "Not for the time being.

"We shouldn't comment on rumours and speculation, because we have to be respectful of what Jonathan wants to do in the future."