F1 drivers react to bombshell Audi news: 'Oh shit!'

Audi's F1 drivers have offered their reaction to the shock news of Jonathan Wheatley's departure from the squad.

Wheatley took over as team principal of the project after his exit from Red Bull and oversaw the transition as the German squad took over Sauber.

But just two races into the 2026 campaign, Audi confirmed Wheatley had departed with immediate effect.

It was news that took Nico Hulkenberg by great surprise, revealing he found out through the media.

“I found out together with the world,” Hulkenberg told media including RacingNews365. 

“I found out on Thursday, last week, on Thursday, when it popped out.

I was in the sim that day, and my mom sent me an article. Looking at my phone, I'm like - 'oh shit!'”

“He was here a year ago when he started, actually, that was his first race, Japan in 2025.

“He was very involved. As a team principal, you're very hands-on. He was working, he was busy. I saw that.”

Bortoloeto 'not surprised' by Wheatley exit

While Hulkenberg was surprised by the news, team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto was less so.

When asked if the news took him aback, Bortoleto pondered for a moment before answering: “To be honest, no.

“Inside the team, we are very clear with this type of thing. It’s not something that got me by surprise. 

“I’m not going to lie, it happened very quickly. He joined last year.

“But again, when you have personal things to put in place, that’s the priority. He was a good team principal, everybody liked him.

“He did a good job restructuring here. He was good.”

Since his exit from Audi, Wheatley has been heavily linked with a move to Aston Martin - however, the team would not be drawn into speculation in Japan.

Bortoleto confirmed he has had a quick conversation with Wheatley since his exit.

“I haven’t talked much with him, just a little chat after the announcement,” he said.

He made public as well, he couldn’t commit to the project because of personal issues, personal things.

“I didn’t go into detail with him exactly what it is. It’s his problem, whatever it is, and I keep it like this.”