Jonathan Wheatley has stepped down as Audi's Formula One team principal for personal reasons, the team announced Friday.
Mattia Binotto, head of Audi's F1 project, will assume the team principal role immediately. The long-term leadership structure remains under review.
Wheatley joined the Sauber-based operation a year ago ahead of Audi's full takeover. His departure comes amid reports linking him to a top role at Aston Martin.
Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll dismissed rumors about Adrian Newey’s exit, reaffirming Newey’s role as a key shareholder and technical leader.
"We are regularly approached by senior executives," Stroll said, declining to comment on speculation.