Adrian Newey is reportedly set to step down from his role at Aston Martin following the Silverstone outfit's calamitous opening to the 2026 Formula One campaign.
The legendary designer, who took charge of the team just four months ago, will instead concentrate solely on technical responsibilities.
Jonathan Wheatley, presently serving as Audi's team boss, is expected to assume the leadership role.
Wheatley departed Red Bull for the German manufacturer in May 2025, working alongside CEO Mattia Binotto during the transition from Sauber.
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The timing of Wheatley's arrival hinges on the terms of his existing Audi contract.
Reports suggest Newey himself may have recommended his former colleague to owner Lawrence Stroll.
The team's partnership with Honda has been plagued by power unit difficulties, with severe vibrations rendering the Newey-designed AMR26 incapable of completing a full race distance.
Neither Fernando Alonso nor Lance Stroll has seen the chequered flag in the opening two rounds.
Adrian Newey is reportedly set to step down from his role at Aston Martin
|GETTY
At the Chinese Grand Prix, the two-time world champion was forced out on lap 32, whilst his Canadian teammate managed just nine laps before pulling off at Turn 1.
Aston Martin currently occupies last place in the constructors' championship without a single point.
The drivers also finished 17th and 18th in the Chinese sprint race.
Both drivers have voiced serious concerns about the cockpit conditions.
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Jonathan Wheatley, presently serving as Audi's team boss, is expected to assume the leadership role
|GETTY
Stroll likened the sensation of the constant vibrations to being electrocuted, highlighting the severity of the mechanical issues afflicting the car.
Newey himself acknowledged the potential health consequences during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
He warned extended periods behind the wheel could result in permanent nerve damage for his drivers.
Wheatley spent two decades at Red Bull's Milton Keynes headquarters, located merely 20 miles from Aston Martin's Silverstone base.
The legendary designer took charge of the team just four months ago
|GETTY
His lengthy working relationship with Newey during that period may have influenced the recommendation to Lawrence Stroll.
The announcement has prompted astonishment among Formula One supporters.
One fan on Reddit described the morning's developments as a "complete fever dream2, questioning why Wheatley would abandon Audi's promising programme for what they termed "a quagmire that will take years to sort out".
Others expressed sympathy for Audi, with one commenting: "Oh, I feel terrible for Audi, just when it looked like they had a decent (but unreliable) car, they lose their head man."
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