Aston Martin Formula One team owner Lawrence Stroll has moved decisively to quell mounting speculation regarding the future position of technical partner Adrian Newey. This development follows the abrupt exit of Jonathan Wheatley from the Audi Revolut F1 Team, which was officially confirmed on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Stroll Reaffirms Newey Partnership Amid Speculation
In a prepared statement released to the media, Stroll, who serves as Executive Chairman and Controlling Shareholder of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team, directly addressed the swirling rumors. "With the current speculation regarding Adrian Newey's role in our team, I want to take the opportunity to set the record straight," Stroll declared. He emphasized, "Adrian Newey is my partner and an important shareholder. He is AMR's Technical Partner and he and I have a true partnership built on a shared vision for success for the company."
Stroll further clarified the unique structural approach at Aston Martin, noting, "We do things differently here, and while we don't currently adopt the traditional Team Principal role that you see elsewhere – it is by design." He highlighted Newey's unparalleled expertise, stating, "As the most successful engineer in the history of the sport, Adrian's primary focus is on the strategic and technical leadership where he excels."
Wheatley's Audi Departure Fuels Transfer Talk
The speculation intensified following the announcement that Jonathan Wheatley had departed Audi with immediate effect. Audi had recruited Wheatley just one year prior to assist in the team's transition from the former Sauber outfit. According to widespread media reports, Wheatley experienced clashes with fellow Audi executive Mattia Binotto and expressed a desire to return to his native United Kingdom from Switzerland.
In its official statement, Audi Revolut F1 Team confirmed, "Due to personal reasons, Jonathan Wheatley will depart the team with immediate effect. The team thanks Jonathan for his contribution to the project and wishes him the best for his future endeavours." The statement also outlined that Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, would assume additional responsibilities as Team Principal while continuing to lead the transformation efforts.
Audi reiterated its long-term commitment, asserting, "With the unwavering commitment of Audi AG, Audi Revolut F1 Team will continue progressing towards challenging for championships by 2030."
Aston Martin's Stance on Recruitment and Rumors
Lawrence Stroll also addressed Aston Martin's position regarding potential recruitment from rival teams. "We are regularly approached by senior executives of other teams who wish to join Aston Martin Aramco," he revealed. However, he firmly stated the team's policy, adding, "but in keeping with our policy, we do not comment on rumour and speculation."
This statement appears to directly counter reports suggesting Aston Martin was keen to reunite Wheatley with Adrian Newey. The two had previously collaborated for two highly successful decades at Red Bull Racing, forming one of the most formidable technical partnerships in Formula One history. At Aston Martin, Newey holds the nominal title of team principal, but reports had indicated he would potentially shift focus entirely to engineering if Wheatley were to join the Silverstone-based squad.
Stroll concluded by underscoring the support structure around Newey, noting he is "supported by a highly skilled Senior Leadership Team to deliver on all aspects of the business, both at the Campus and trackside." This move by Stroll aims to provide stability and clarity for the team as it continues its ambitious project to compete at the front of the Formula One grid.
