(Motorsport-Total.com) – Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has spoken out in favor of Jonathan Wheatley as the new team principal at Aston Martin after he left the Audi F1 project. Audi officially confirmed on March 20 that the Briton had resigned from his role as team principal with immediate effect for personal reasons – and this after he had only joined the team in 2025.
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Following the Briton’s departure, he is now being heavily linked with a move to Aston Martin. Rumors suggest that Adrian Newey could step down from his duties as team principal to focus entirely on his responsibilities as “Managing Technical Partner”.
Denial from Lawrence Stroll
Aston Martin has so far rejected these speculations. “As Executive Chairman and majority shareholder, I want to reiterate that Adrian Newey is my partner and a key shareholder. He is the Managing Technical Partner of AMR. He and I share a true partnership based on a common vision for the success of the company,” Lawrence Stroll clarified.
The Canadian added: “We do things differently here. The fact that we are not currently filling the traditional team principal role as it is known from elsewhere is entirely intentional.”
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Coulthard: “Would bring him into my team anytime”
While the rumors were discussed on the podcast Up To Speed with Will Buxton, Jolie Sharpe, Naomi Schiff and David Coulthard, the former Red Bull driver spoke up for Wheatley. Coulthard, who has already worked with him in Milton Keynes, gave insights into Wheatley’s character as a “fighter”.
“I think you’re misjudging Jonathan when it comes to his gentleness,” said Coulthard. “I know he’s a fighter. He will do what is necessary – and with a sporting ethic. I’m a big fan of Jonathan and would bring him into my team anytime.”
Meanwhile, Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 project, confirmed that the racing team will present a new team principal “very soon”. In the meantime, Binotto has taken over the duties of team principal on an interim basis.
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