Audi could turn to an internal solution following Jonathan Wheatley’s unexpected departure from the role of team principal in Formula 1. Journalist and commentator Will Buxton pointed to former driver Allan McNish as the ideal name to take over the role.
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Wheatley stepped down as Audi team principal with immediate effect on March 20, triggering a sudden change in the team’s structure. Since then, Mattia Binotto, responsible for Audi’s F1 project, has provisionally taken over the responsibilities of the role.
During the ‘Up To Speed’ podcast, Buxton argued that the team does not need to look outside to find a replacement. According to him, Audi already has the ideal candidate within its own structure, someone who could take the lead and allow Binotto to focus on the technical side.
“Mattia Binotto has now been placed in a singular role as team principal at Audi. I believe they need someone to replace Jonathan Wheatley, and I believe they already have someone who can be team principal and let Mattia focus on the technical side,” Buxton stated.
The commentator also highlighted that McNish could occupy different roles within the team: “Whether as sporting director or team principal, Audi already has the perfect man for the job, and that is Allan McNish,” he said. Buxton also highlighted the Scotsman’s track record, recalling his endurance achievements with Audi and his stint as team principal in Formula E.
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According to Buxton, McNish has proven experience and is already part of the team’s current structure: “He has a proven track record. He is the coach of Audi’s young driver program and is already within the team. For me, Allan McNish could take on this role immediately. He is very well respected, and for good reason,” he concluded.
McNish had a brief stint in Formula 1 in 2002, when he raced for Toyota. In addition, he built a solid career in endurance racing, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1997 and 2000 and again between 2004 and 2013, as well as participations in the American Le Mans Series and the World Endurance Championship.
Off the track, the Scotsman has also held various roles in motorsport. Among them, he served as a driver representative on the Formula 1 stewards’ panel, a commentator for BBC Sport, Audi team principal in Formula E, and director of the German manufacturer’s driver development program.
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