Aston Martin: We're not engaging in media speculation, Adrian Newey continues to lead as Team Principal

Reports published on Autosport and Motorsport websites on Thursday claimed Newey would step aside from the Aston Martin team principal duties to focus solely on technical matters, with Audi boss Wheatley tipped as a potential replacement.

Aston Martin responded swiftly with a firm denial, stating the leadership structure remains unchanged: “The team will not be engaging in media speculation about its senior leadership team. Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner.”

Audi also distanced itself from the reports, offering no confirmation of any move involving Wheatley: “There is no official update from our side at this point in time and we do not comment on speculation.”

The speculation comes at a difficult time for Aston Martin, who have yet to score a point or finish a race in the opening two rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The team’s new Honda power unit has been plagued by performance deficits and severe vibration issues, leaving both drivers struggling to complete races. Alonso’s retirement in China underlined the scale of the problem, with the Spaniard reporting alarming physical symptoms during the race.

Onboard footage showed Alonso repeatedly removing his hands from the steering wheel on the Shanghai straight in an attempt to relieve discomfort, after saying he was losing feeling in his hands and feet.

The Silverstone-based outfit, owned by Lawrence Stroll, has come under increasing pressure after finishing seventh in last year’s Constructors’ Championship with Mercedes power.

Newey took over as team principal at the start of the season, while former boss Andy Cowell shifted into a strategy role. His appointment raised eyebrows at the time, given his reputation as a pure technical figure rather than a front-line team leader.

The 67-year-old is one of the most successful designers in Formula 1 history, with his cars delivering 14 Drivers’ Championships and 12 Constructors’ titles across multiple teams. He joined Aston Martin from Red Bull as both a shareholder and the central figure in the team’s long-term title ambitions.

However, the current crisis has intensified scrutiny on whether Newey should remain in a dual role combining leadership and technical oversight.

Wheatley, who previously worked alongside Newey at Red Bull as sporting director, is seen as a natural candidate should Aston Martin choose to restructure. He joined Audi’s project last year following its transition from Sauber, working under Mattia Binotto.

Any potential move would likely be delayed by contractual obligations, including a possible period of gardening leave.

Attention now turns to Suzuka on March 29, Honda’s home race, but expectations remain low given the extent of Aston Martin’s current issues.

With no finishes and no points so far, the team faces a critical early phase of the season, with reliability and performance both in question as pressure builds on Newey and the wider leadership structure.