Audi Urged to Consider Horner After Surprising Wheatley Departure

A flurry of Formula 1 developments emerged on Tuesday. Key stories range from a leadership debate at Audi to a recurring Williams handling issue.

Audi leadership debate after Wheatley exit

Juan Pablo Montoya said Audi would benefit from a strong team principal. Montoya, a former Williams and McLaren driver, spoke after Jonathan Wheatley’s exit.

Wheatley left the team last month, soon after reports linked him to Aston Martin. Montoya warned Mattia Binotto faces an uphill battle returning to a team boss role.

Some figures have urged Audi to consider Christian Horner following the surprising Wheatley departure.

Williams investigates recurring three-wheeling problem

Carlos Sainz revealed Williams is probing a long-standing handling issue. He said the fault “flared up” again after the 2026 regulation changes.

Teammate Alex Albon had previously described the car “three-wheeling” through certain corners. Engineers report the inside-front tyre can lift, cutting front-end grip.

Sainz said he was surprised during his first Williams test in late 2024. The team managed the problem through last season before it returned in 2026.

Pirelli test scheduled at the Nurburgring

Mercedes and McLaren will run a Pirelli tyre test at the Nurburgring. The teams will be in action across two days, April 14 and 15.

Formula 1 last raced at the circuit during the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix. The Nurburgring’s last permanent calendar slot was in 2013.

Mercedes’ approach to intra-team battles

Toto Wolff said George Russell and Kimi Antonelli may be let “absolutely off the leash” if both remain title contenders. Antonelli holds a nine-point lead over Russell after three races.

Antonelli has won two of the opening three rounds. Wolff stated he will allow the drivers to race while a margin exists between their cars.

Early assessment of Audi’s debut season

Audi scored points in its first race in Australia. The team was shaken by Wheatley’s departure after the Chinese Grand Prix.

Early race performance highlighted the power unit as an area for improvement. Filmogaz.com will continue to track the Swiss-based team’s progress this season.