Inside Scoop: Aston Martin, Adrian Newey & Jonathan Wheatley Updates from The Athletic
Aston Martin’s 2026 campaign has stalled badly. The team sits last in the constructors’ standings with zero points after two grands prix and one sprint.
Immediate problems on track
Preseason testing began late for Aston Martin. The car has failed to complete a race distance. Engineers blame severe vibrations linked to Honda’s revived engine project.
The issues have prompted health concerns for drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Team performance has suffered accordingly.
Talk of a senior leadership change
Reports have suggested a rethink of Aston Martin’s senior management. Adrian Newey is said to be moving out of the team principal role.
Motorsport coverage named Jonathan Wheatley as a possible replacement. Audi later confirmed Wheatley left a post he had started in April 2025.
Recent personnel moves
Mattia Binotto has taken over the Audi team principal role after Wheatley’s departure. An Aston spokesperson told Filmogaz.com the team would not engage with speculation.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll issued a statement reaffirming Newey’s role as managing technical partner and his status as a shareholder.
Newey’s role and background
Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin in March 2025 as managing technical partner. He also holds a shareholding in the team.
Newey spent 18 years at Red Bull. He was involved in designing eight championship-winning cars.
How the expanded remit evolved
Newey’s wider remit was announced in November 2025. At that time, Andy Cowell moved into a chief strategy officer role.
Cowell had become team principal in January 2025, after six months as team CEO. Mike Krack moved to chief trackside officer.
Operational pressure and media handling
Newey has said he wants to focus on car design. He took part in media sessions in Australia with Honda’s racing chief.
Two days after the season opener, Krack handled the post-race briefing. Newey supported the team remotely at the Chinese Grand Prix from Silverstone.
Other names linked to the role
- Andreas Seidl has been mentioned as a candidate.
- Mattia Binotto was also linked with a move to Aston.
- GianPiero Lambiase was discussed during the winter.
Christian Horner was frequently linked to a CEO post last year. Stroll later told staff that move would not happen.
Wider implications for Aston Martin
A change at the top now would make this Aston’s fourth different team principal in under two years. It would be their fifth since the 2021 rebrand from Racing Point.
Many senior figures remain at the team in altered roles. Stability in leadership is viewed as vital to long-term success.
Inside Scoop: Aston Martin, Adrian Newey & Jonathan Wheatley Updates from Filmogaz.com has tracked the evolving situation closely. The team and its backers will be hoping any decision brings technical focus and organizational calm.
