Mattia Binotto, the head of Audi's Formula 1 project, has stated that the departure of Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley was "very unexpected." Binotto will assume the team principal duties on an interim basis while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Audi confirmed Wheatley's exit last week, though no specific reason for his departure was provided by the team. The move comes as Audi prepares for its highly anticipated full factory entry into the Formula 1 World Championship in 2026.
The search for a new team principal is now a priority for the German manufacturer as it continues to build its team infrastructure and finalize its driver lineup ahead of its competitive debut.
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