Power play at Audi: Mattia Binotto assumes dual role following Jonathan Wheatley’s exit. Mattia Binotto assumes full control of Audi F1 after Jonathan Wheatley’s departure.

Controversial resignation

At Audi, the more than one-month break in April—caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to the ongoing Gulf conflict—was probably welcomed by the team. The Hinwil-based squad now needs to reorganize following the surprising and controversial resignation of team principal Jonathan Wheatley. Officially, Jonathan Wheatley left for personal reasons, but some reports suggested conflicts with Audi F1 project head Mattia Binotto. The former Ferrari team principal denied these claims, stating that Jonathan Wheatley was “well integrated” within the team.

What remains to be seen is how the German squad will be managed throughout the season. Originally, Audi was thought to be exploring the market for a new team principal, but this option appears to have been dismissed by Binotto himself. The Italo-Swiss manager had already told journalists in Japan that he could maintain control of the team while also occupying the role of team principal. These “full powers” should not be too surprising, considering Mattia Binotto’s final years at Ferrari, where he sought to shape the team entirely according to his vision, often clashing with other figures at Maranello.

A single man in charge, but with support

The only concession made by Mattia Binotto is to have someone assist him on track and cover the weekends when he is not physically present. The 56-year-old engineer, born in Lausanne, intends to focus primarily on the development and growth of the team’s factory: “For the future, I don’t think we are looking for a new team principal,” Mattia Binotto commented. “I will retain the role myself, but I will need someone to support me during race weekends, because I cannot always be present in person. My main focus must be on the factory, where there is a greater need not just to develop, but to truly transform. So, certainly, support during the race weekends is essential.”

A name recently suggested for this support role is Allan McNish, former driver and long-time trusted collaborator of Audi. McNish was among the first to be involved in the F1 project when it was announced four years ago.

Mattia Binotto’s decision to consolidate power at Audi suggests a desire for singular technical and sporting leadership as the team prepares for its official entry. By taking on the Team Principal mantle, he is betting on his ability to “transform” the factory while delegating the logistical pressures of the race track to a trusted deputy. It is a high-stakes strategy that mirrors his approach at Maranello, and the success of the Audi project will likely depend on whether this centralized leadership can foster the rapid development required to compete with the established giants of the sport. With the extra time provided by the April break, the Italian manager is clearly setting the stage for a new, more focused era for the team.