Aston Martin "set the record straight" after Newey "speculation" and Wheatley Audi exit

Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll has attempted to "set the record straight" after "speculation" that team principal Adrian Newey is set to be replaced at the helm of the team.

Newey joined stepped down from his previous duties at Red Bull in 2024 and joined Aston Marin in the first quarter of 2025. In November, it was announced that the legendary designer would assume the role of team principal, a career first.

Following a difficult start to the 2026 season, however, speculation mounted on Thursday that he was set to be replaced by his opposite number at Audi, Jonathan Wheatley. Although initially dismissed as "speculation" by both Audi and Aston Martin, Wheatley's Audi exit was confirmed on Friday afternoon, with Stroll releasing his statement soon after. 

“With the current speculation surrounding Adrian Newey’s role in our team, I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight," said the Canadian.

“As Executive Chairman and Controlling Shareholder, I would like to reaffirm that Adrian Newey is my partner and an important shareholder. He is AMR’s Managing Technical Partner, and he and I have a true partnership built on a shared vision of success for the company.

“We do things differently here, and while we don't currently adopt the traditional Team Principal role that you see elsewhere - it is by design.

“As the most successful engineer ​in the history of the sport, Adrian's primary focus is on the strategic and technical leadership where he excels. He is supported by a highly skilled Senior Leadership Team to deliver on all aspects of the business, both at the Campus and trackside.

“We are regularly approached by senior executives of other teams who wish to join Aston Martin Aramco, but in keeping with our policy, we do not comment on rumour and speculation.”

While the statement gives Newey a vote of confidence, it does not mention Wheatley, nor does it address speculation that the former Red Bull man could be set to join as part of a restructured leadership team, which would see him take some of the pressure off Newey's shoulders.