Adrian Newey has stepped down as Managing Technical Partner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team after a seriously disappointing start to the 2026 F1 season. With Aston Martin failing to even finish a Grand Prix after substantial issues with its Honda powertrain, the legendary designer is reported to be relinquishing his leadership role.
According to Motorsport.com, the iconic car designer will be replaced by current Audi leader Jonathan Wheatley.
Newey won’t be leaving the team altogether; after all, he is a partner in the organization. Instead, he will be focusing entirely on the technical aspects of the car—an area that needs significant work considering the team’s poor start.
Honda has provided Aston Martin with a subpar power unit this year. Vibrations from the engine creeping into the cockpit have been severe enough to cause issues not only with the car’s mechanics but also for the drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
Both drivers complained of discomfort in their hands due to a vibrating steering wheel, with possible nerve damage cited as a reason for their multiple retirements.
Wheatley, who is expected to return to England from his recent move to Switzerland to join the Audi team (formerly Sauber), will be under immense pressure at the Silverstone outfit. Tasked with getting the team back on track after substantial investment from owner Lawrence Stroll, he faces plenty of work with the team currently sitting squarely at the bottom of the constructors’ standings.
Little is known about who will replace Wheatley at Audi. Mattia Binotto, who worked alongside the team chief as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, may well take over the responsibility. Binotto has experience in the role after leading the Ferrari team for four seasons. While he was eventually replaced by Frenchman Fred Vasseur, he may represent an interim opportunity for the German brand as it looks to continue its success so far this year.
With two points to its name, Audi sits above the Williams F1 team, eighth in the constructors’ standings.
