Audi F1 Reshuffle: McNish replaces Wheatley In Trackside Leadership Role

Audi has appointed endurance racing legend Allan McNish as its new racing director for its Formula 1 team, following the sudden departure of former team principal Jonathan Wheatley .

The move takes effect from next week’s Miami Grand Prix, with McNish tasked with overseeing all trackside operations, including race strategy and the management of drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi said.

McNish will report to team principal Mattia Binotto , who resumed the role after Wheatley left the team just two races into the 2026 season. Wheatley’s exit was officially attributed to personal reasons, though reports have linked him with a potential move to Aston Martin as the team continues to struggle under the new era of F1 regulations.

Audi, competing in its first Formula 1 season since rebranding from Sauber, has endured a challenging start to 2026, particularly as it also debuts its own power units. Bortoleto secured the team’s only points so far with a ninth-place finish at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, while both he and Hülkenberg have been limited by reliability issues, missing two of the first three races.

McNish brings extensive success from endurance racing but limited Formula 1 experience. His only F1 season came in 2002 with Toyota. However, he is one of Audi’s most decorated drivers in sportscar competition, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours three times, the Sebring 12 Hours four times, and the World Endurance Championship once.

He had previously been involved with Audi’s F1 programme overseeing driver development and will continue in that capacity alongside his new operational responsibilities.