Mattia Binotto gave more information on how Audi’s internal structure in Formula 1 will be after Jonathan Wheatley’s departure. According to the executive, finding a new team principal is not a priority.
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Even before the third round of the 2026 season, the German team suffered a blow with the sudden and immediate departure of Wheatley from the team’s command. The decision happened due to personal reasons and one year after taking on the challenge.
In Japan, then, Binotto confirmed that Audi is not looking for a direct replacement, but someone who can help him during Formula 1 weekends.
“For the future, we are not looking for a new team principal. I will remain in the position. But I will need someone to support me on race weekends, as I will not always be present. I need to focus mainly on the factory, where there is more room for transformation,” he explained.
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“Not just for development, but for transformation itself, so certainly, support on race weekends is important,” he added.
Asked if many changes were made to the operation in Suzuka, the executive stated that “no. If you look from the outside, the team is structurally organized and it is not individuals who will make the difference.”
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