Mattia Binotto admits Jonathan Wheatley exit very unexpected as Audi search for replacement

The shock exit came less than a year after Wheatley joined from Red Bull, leaving Audi to restructure just two races into their first season as a works team following the Sauber takeover.

Speaking to F1.com, Binotto admitted the timing caught the organisation off guard: “It has been very fast, very unexpected for the entire team. It has been really a sudden departure, a sudden change.

“I don't think there is much we can say. He has spoken to our CEO, the board of the team, mentioning that he couldn't commit to the long term for private reasons that we cannot judge or comment on.”

Audi acted quickly once Wheatley confirmed his position. Binotto continued: “We decided as Audi, given that he couldn't commit, to release him from duties. I don't think that as a team we have realised it yet. It was just last week, and now we are here in Japan, and we have a race weekend ahead.”

The departure disrupts Audi’s dual leadership model, where Binotto oversaw the wider project, including chassis and power unit development, while Wheatley managed trackside operations.

Binotto acknowledged the scale of the change: “When such changes are happening, big changes, you certainly first need to realise and to understand the impact and organise yourself.”

For now, Binotto will absorb additional responsibilities, but he made it clear this is not a sustainable structure as Audi push towards their long-term target of fighting for championships by 2030.

He underlined the immediate priority: “Looking at what his strengths were, the task he was performing we need to fill the gap. I can't simply add more and more responsibility and tasks for myself.”

Audi’s project remains heavily centred on its factory operations, including development of its 2026 power unit, meaning Binotto cannot permanently divide attention between track and base.

He explained the balance required: “My main focus is at the factory base where we need to transform the team, where we need to develop the car and the powertrain, so I will need someone to support the team here at the race weekend.”

A decision on Wheatley’s successor is already underway: “We are considering it. We will organise ourselves and I am pretty sure that very soon we can announce it.”

Despite the disruption, Binotto is determined to keep the team aligned with its long-term objectives, insisting the internal structure will not derail Audi’s trajectory.

He stressed a collective approach moving forward: “We are focused on the future. Looking back makes no sense. We are fully focused on what's next. We are committed to our objectives. We know exactly what's required. Each single individual in the team is really committed and focused.

In closing, Binotto reinforced the message: It's a team effort. It's not about individuals. It's a team effort. As a team, we know exactly what's required.”

Audi now head into the remainder of the Suzuka weekend managing both on-track performance and a key leadership transition, with a replacement expected to be announced shortly as the project builds towards its 2026 ambitions.