Acting Audi team principal Mattia Binotto hopes his team will refocus on ‘flawless execution’ following Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure. The announcement of the British executive’s departure caused quite a stir in the paddock, but Binotto is keen to maintain calm within Audi itself, and for a very good reason: ‘Everyone is getting a better grip on the cars, which means the margins for error are getting smaller’.
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After just two Grands Prix in 2026, Jonathan Wheatley has already departed Audi. The former Red Bull executive moved to the then-Sauber team last year, before Audi took over the Swiss racing team. Rumours about a new role as Adrian Newey’s successor at Aston Martin are already circulating. At Audi, Mattia Binotto – who is temporarily taking over Wheatley’s duties as team principal – is calling for the focus to be on ‘flawless execution’ ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
“As we head into the third race of the season in Suzuka, the focus is increasingly on flawless execution”, Binotto told the media. “Everyone, both us and our rivals, is getting to grips with the new cars better and better, which means the margins for error are getting smaller. We have seen encouraging signs regarding pace during the first two races, but we understand there are still areas where we can improve – both in terms of performance and execution.”
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Reliability issues
Audi struggled with the reliability of their R26 during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix. Gabriel Bortoleto retired in Shanghai before the race even started, while Nico Hülkenberg didn’t complete a single race lap in Melbourne. “We have taken the time to address the reliability issues we faced earlier, to ensure they don’t happen again and that both cars can complete the race without interruptions”, Binotto reassured his two drivers. “The journey continues: the goal now is to keep building, keep learning and make the most of every opportunity.”
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