(Motorsport-Total.com) – On the sidelines of the Japan weekend, focus in the Formula 1 paddock is increasingly turning to Aston Martin. However, this is far from just about sporting performance, but rather about the team’s internal structure. The central question is whether Adrian Newey can permanently fulfill the dual role of team principal and technical director – or whether this is precisely where a structural problem lies.
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Even at his appointment, there were doubts about whether Newey would truly take on the classic tasks of a team principal. This skepticism is now at least partially confirmed, as the Brit himself admits that the role distracts him “a bit” from his actual work. Especially in a phase where the engine project with Honda is being built in parallel, this balancing act is particularly demanding.
Moreover, Aston Martin is still organizationally in the process of building up. Newey compares the situation to his early years at Red Bull Racing, when it was also about creating structures, improving communication, and harmonizing internal processes. Precisely in this phase, clear role distribution is crucial – not additional complexity.
Wheatley as a logical solution
Against this background, the idea of a classic team principal seems only logical. Jonathan Wheatley in particular is considered an obvious solution, not least because of his experience and his known strength in team leadership. Moreover, he knows Newey from their time together, which makes a functioning collaboration more likely.
Wheatley brings exactly the qualities that Aston Martin currently needs: structure, communication, and the ability to bring a team together during a transformation phase. Especially in the sensitive interplay with Honda, he could play a central role and serve as a stable interface.
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Honda project as an uncertainty factor
Because sportingly, the situation is tense. The new Honda project is still struggling with fundamental problems, and internally it apparently took a long time to realize how great the differences to the successful years with Red Bull actually are. It only became clear late that important personnel resources were missing – a circumstance that raises questions about internal coordination.
This situation clearly shows how important stable management structures are. Especially in a complex project with multiple partners, clear responsibilities and long-term planning are needed. Frequent changes would cause additional damage rather than progress.
The decisive factor: Stability
Thus it becomes clear: as sensible as a new team principal may be – it is not the actual solution. Aston Martin’s greatest need is stability. After possible structural adjustments, a phase must follow in which work is consistently pursued on a long-term plan, without constantly changing direction.
The prerequisites for success are in place: modern infrastructure, top-class personnel, and in Newey one of the best designers in Formula 1. But after the difficult start to the 2026 season, what is needed above all is patience – even if that is an uncomfortable perspective for drivers like Fernando Alonso. This patience could ultimately be the decisive factor.
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