Mattia Binotto reacts to sudden Jonathan Wheatley Audi departure

Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure from Audi has sent shockwaves through the paddock, with the German manufacturer’s project head, Mattia Binotto, admitting the loss has caught the team completely off guard.

The Briton’s resignation, citing personal reasons, has dominated the headlines as speculation mounts over his potential move to Aston Martin.

Wheatley’s immediate departure from Audi as team principal was announced just over a week before the Spanish Grand Prix, with Binotto set to fill the role for now.

It has been widely reported that Wheatley will eventually take up the same role at Aston Martin, allowing Adrian Newey to return to focusing solely on his original position as managing technical partner.

Wheatley’s departure represents a significant blow to Audi’s F1 ambitions, as the former Red Bull sporting director brought extensive experience to the Hinwil-based operation, having played crucial roles in multiple championship campaigns.

"This was very unexpected," Binotto told Sky DE. "Sometimes things just happen that way. Last Friday, Jonathan told us that, for personal reasons, he could not commit to Audi for the long term.

"We cannot judge that, but we have to respect it. As a result, we decided as a team to relieve him of his duties. Jonathan was well integrated into the team and had an important influence."

Replacing Wheatley not an immediate concern

Despite Wheatley’s exit, replacing the Briton is not on Binotto’s immediate agenda, with the Italian wanting to conduct a thorough analysis.

The former Ferrari boss is eyeing the upcoming five-week break after Suzuka as the prime opportunity for this, but has insisted he will need support.

"We are not looking for a new team boss. I have to reorganise myself now and analyse the structures within the team more closely.

"There is so much work to do in the factory; someone will have to support me in this.

"We need to further develop the team and the car, and I need to be able to focus fully on my work. We are now thinking about how we are going to reorganise.

"We have some space in April, which is a good opportunity to reposition ourselves. We already have a lot of ideas about that."