Formula 1 was only a few weeks old when Audi announced the separation from team boss Jonathan Wheatley, who will probably move to Aston Martin. While only a few background information about the surprising personnel hammer have been revealed so far, RTL expert Christian Danner has now made people sit up and take notice with statements about discrepancies.
“According to my information, it was definitely the case that there wasn’t anything particularly diplomatic about it when he had the scepter in his hand in Hinwil,” revealed the former racing driver in an interview with “AvD Motorsport Magazin”. The TV expert is certain that this was not well received everywhere and points to problems with Mattia Binotto.
He believes “that only Binotto is the one who has the hat on,” he added and therefore described the separation as a logical step: “If something was wrong in some way between the two, it doesn’t matter which side goes to which side, then it is clear that this issue will not go any further.” The Italian works as a project manager for the racing team.
Formula 1: Wheatley signing “would be a very good move”
For Danner, the loss of Wheatley is still “a mixed thing” because: “On the one hand, I feel sorry for Audi because he is a very, very competent man. On the other hand – if he doesn’t fit in there, then he is the wrong man.” “Competence has been lost with him, but perhaps we have gained a little harmony,” said the 67-year-old.
Wheatley had formed a dual leadership team with Binotto at Audi, and shortly before the third race of the season in Suzuka, the racing team suddenly announced the Englishman’s departure. Wheatley was only in office for a year. It is speculated that competitor Aston Martin has made the 58-year-old an offer.
“That was definitely a very good move because the man has incredible experience,” says Danner, assessing the speculation. There were repeated rumors that chief designer and shareholder Adrian Newey could resign from his position as team boss. However, the team has so far strongly contradicted corresponding reports.
