Aston Martin Set for Major Shake-Up as Adrian Newey Exit Rumours Intensify
Fresh speculation from the Formula 1 paddock suggests that could soon be removed from his role as team principal at , with growing reports that former Red Bull sporting director is being lined up as his replacement.
The rumours gained momentum following the recent weekend, where several insiders claimed discussions surrounding Wheatley’s future intensified behind the scenes.
Newey’s appointment as Aston Martin team principal in late 2025 came as a surprise across the paddock. Widely regarded as one of the greatest technical minds in Formula 1 history, the British designer had originally joined the Silverstone-based squad as managing technical partner after leaving .
However, Aston Martin’s ambitious restructuring placed even more responsibility on Newey when former team boss moved into a strategic leadership role, leaving the legendary engineer to oversee both technical development and team management duties heading into the all-important 2026 regulation era.
So far, the gamble has failed to deliver immediate results.
Aston Martin endured a disastrous start to the 2026 campaign, with drivers and struggling throughout pre-season testing and the opening races. Reliability problems linked to the team’s new Honda power unit partnership and ongoing chassis issues have severely limited performance.
The team’s problems became especially noticeable during pre-season testing in Bahrain, where Aston Martin completed the fewest laps on the grid after Newey’s delayed arrival and multiple technical setbacks.
Critics inside the paddock have increasingly argued that Newey’s expertise is being stretched too thin. Many believe Aston Martin would benefit more from allowing him to focus exclusively on solving the car’s technical shortcomings, while a more experienced managerial figure handles the demanding public and operational responsibilities of a Formula 1 team principal.
That is where Wheatley’s name has emerged.
The highly respected former Red Bull figure recently departed under what was officially described as “personal reasons,” but speculation has continued to surround his next move.
Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, journalist Jolie Sharpe claimed conversations regarding Wheatley joining Aston Martin are becoming increasingly serious.
“There’s much more chatter now about Wheatley,” Sharpe revealed. “I think that should be announced to be the new team principal at Aston Martin. I think that’s coming.”
When pressed on the timing of the potential change, Sharpe suggested an announcement could arrive “a lot sooner” than many expect, adding that Aston Martin are eager to finalise the situation quickly as they attempt to stabilise their difficult season.
Despite their struggles, there are signs of cautious optimism within the Aston Martin camp. Reports from the paddock suggest the team believes gradual improvements could allow them to consistently challenge for Q2 appearances by the middle phase of the season.
Still, with pressure mounting and expectations remaining sky-high following Lawrence Stroll’s massive investment into the project, all eyes are now on whether Aston Martin will make another dramatic leadership change before the 2026 season reaches its halfway point.