Newey blocks Horner as Aston Martin considers Wheatley for leadership role

Internal divide over leadership direction

Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll recently held talks with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner about a possible role within the team, according to BBC Sport. The discussions come as the Silverstone-based outfit looks to appoint a long-term leader following a difficult start to the 2026 season.

However, Adrian Newey is not aligned with that approach. According to BBC Sport, the managing technical partner does not support bringing Horner into the organisation, despite their previous success together at Red Bull.

Instead, Newey is understood to favour Jonathan Wheatley, who is currently leading Audi’s Formula 1 project after transitioning from his previous role within the Sauber setup tied to Audi’s 2026 entry.

Performance struggles increase pressure

Aston Martin’s early-season difficulties have accelerated the need for structural change. The team has faced reliability concerns linked to its Honda power unit, along with performance limitations from the AMR26 chassis.

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Newey stepped into a temporary leadership position in 2025 alongside his technical responsibilities, but that arrangement was never intended as a permanent solution.

Stroll is now aiming to install a full-time team principal who can oversee operations, allowing Newey to focus entirely on improving car performance for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Wheatley emerges as preferred candidate

According to BBC Sport, Aston Martin has made an offer to Jonathan Wheatley to take over as team principal, although no agreement has been finalised.

The 58-year-old is viewed internally as a strong operational leader, and Newey reportedly considers him an acceptable option to take charge of the race team.

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Any move, however, may not happen immediately. Audi could require Wheatley to serve a period of gardening leave, which could extend Newey’s interim leadership role into 2027.

Horner remains an alternative option

Despite internal resistance, Horner has not been ruled out entirely. According to ESPN, he has not closed the door on a potential move to Aston Martin following his departure from Red Bull.

Horner is also linked to investment activity involving Alpine, which is currently seen as his primary focus. However, with Wheatley yet to commit to Aston Martin, Stroll may still consider Horner depending on how negotiations develop.

Uncertainty continues around Aston Martin’s leadership plans

With differing views between key decision-makers and no signed agreement in place, Aston Martin’s leadership structure remains unresolved.

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The outcome of negotiations with Wheatley, along with Horner’s availability and interest, is likely to shape the team’s direction as it looks to recover from a challenging start to the season and prepare for the future.

Sources: BBC Sport, ESPN

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