Audi hint at major signing after shock F1 departure

Audi's head of F1 Mattia Binotto has confirmed the team is seeking a replacement for Jonathan Wheatley following his shock exit from the team.

Wheatley suddenly departed the squad after the Chinese Grand Prix earlier this month, just two races into Audi's debut F1 season.

Wheatley took on the role last year when the team still operated as Sauber and oversaw the transition to the German manufacturer this year.

However, his exit came as a great surprise, but Binotto has insisted it has not shifted the motivation inside the team.

"Before we come to what the plan for the future, I have to say that the team has remained very focused and concentrated," Binotto told media including RacingNews365.

"Operationally, the team has performed very well. We can be pleased showing that, in the end, it's not about an individual, it's about the team.

"What counts the most is the team. So I would not be concerned for the future because of individuals.

"If you look at the whole team performance again, it has been a great team performance. We have great pit stops this weekend, and the people, I would say, generally speaking, are well managed."

Whilst Binotto has stated Audi is not looking to directly appoint a new team principal, he stated it is necessary to install someone who can handle the management of the squad during a race weekend.

"For the future, we are not looking for a new team principal," he said. "I will keep the role, but I will need someone to support me at the race weekend.

"I will not always be at the race weekend myself. I need to focus most at the factory, where there is the most [work] to transform, not only to develop, to transform.

"So certainly, a supporter at race weekends is required."