Aston Martin target Jonathan Wheatley over Horner for team principal
Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley has emerged as the front-runner to take over from Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, leaving former Red Bull boss Christian Horner out of the running.
The Silverstone-based outfit are actively searching for a new leader to allow Newey to step back and focus entirely on designing the team’s Formula 1 car.
The legendary designer has reportedly recommended his former Red Bull colleague to owner Lawrence Stroll to take charge of the garage.
Horner, who remains out of the sport six months after his official departure following a 20-year tenure, is not considered a candidate for the vacancy.
A potential Silverstone reunion
Newey and Wheatley spent nearly two decades working together at Red Bull during a period of sustained championship dominance.
Wheatley eventually departed his role as sporting director to join Sauber, the predecessor to the new Audi works team.
Personal reasons are now reputed to be a driving factor in tempting the British executive to return from Switzerland.
If an agreement is reached, the Audi boss would likely need to serve a significant period of gardening leave before switching teams.
Alternative options and past praise
Former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl is also credited with an interest in the Aston Martin role.
Meanwhile, Horner must continue his wait for another motorsport opportunity to crop up.
Despite missing out on the current vacancy, the 50-year-old previously spoke highly of his former sporting director when their professional paths diverged.
Jonathan’s done a great job as initially team manager and then sporting director for us.
He’s been part of the journey over the last 19 years or in our 20th season. We’re very grateful for what he’s done and the effort that he’s put in during that time.
An opportunity like this to become a team principal has come along. So we certainly didn’t look to hold him back in any way, and we wish him the very best of luck for the future.