Incredible scenes at Silverstone: Adrian Newey steps back, Wheatley to replace him!
Another shocking twist hits the Formula 1 paddock in what has already been a dramatic 2026 season: Adrian Newey has decided to step down from his role as Team Principal at Aston Martin after just four months. A completely unexpected move (despite the team’s struggles), which once again disrupts the already fragile internal balance at Silverstone.
According to reports, this decision is not a full step back, but rather a strategic redistribution of responsibilities. A difficult start to the season – with expectations being revised downward and issues linked to the Honda power unit (so severe that even a special Suzuka livery was cancelled) – has pushed the team to bring Newey back to the core of technical development.
The goal is clear: free him from management duties to fully exploit his value as a designer, a role in which he is widely considered the greatest and most successful in Formula 1 history.
Wheatley set to replace Newey at Aston Martin
To replace him in the operational leadership of the team, Aston Martin has reportedly identified a high-profile figure: Jonathan Wheatley, currently involved in the Audi project. An experienced name with a strong organizational background, ideal for managing a Formula 1 team while Newey – alongside Honda – focuses on reviving the car’s technical performance.
However, the move still raises eyebrows, as the former Red Bull figure would be switching teams for the third time in around two years. This kind of reshuffle is not entirely new for Lawrence Stroll’s team, where changes have become almost routine. Aston Martin will once again see its organizational structure reshaped, with the hope that this latest move can help turn around what is currently a very difficult situation for the historic British brand.
Photos: Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team
