Audi has finally reorganised its Formula 1 team following the recent and unexpected departure of Jonathan Wheatley.

Wheatley’s sudden exit as team principal last month shocked Audi and left the German squad in a state of flux two races into the 2026 F1 season.

Audi project head Mattia Binotto initially stepped into the role of chief executive officer and team principal to take on some of Wheatley’s responsibilities as an interim solution.

Binotto made it clear at the Japanese Grand Prix that he was not looking for a direct team principal replacement for Wheatley, but instead a figure who could take on many of duties he held so that Binotto could focus on wider leadership responsibilities.

Audi has now found its solution, with long-time Audi employee Allan McNish named racing director, as Crash.net had anticipated.

The new role will see McNish effectively take over day-to-day running of the F1 team, beginning at the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.

McNish’s position is an expansive one that will see him oversee sporting matters, engineering coordination, driver management, race strategy and garage operations. He will also handle on-track media and partner activities.

In addition, McNish will continue in his role as the head of Audi’s young driver programme.

“This is a marque that means a lot to me and it is an honour to be able to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsports,” McNish said following the confirmation of his role.

“This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and F1, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance.

“The project we are building is ambitious, and my focus will be on ensuring that all aspects of our race operations are delivering at their most competitive level and continuously improving.”

It is not the first time that McNish has run a racing team. He was the team principal of Audi’s Formula E team and proved himself to be a shrewd operator, leading the squad to the teams’ championship in the 2017-2018 season.

The 56-year-old Scott has a wealth of motorsport experience and enjoyed a hugely successful sportscar career. He is well respected and highly regarded within the racing world.

A former Toyota F1 driver in 2002, McNish’s best achievements came at the Le Mans 24 Hours, which he won three times and twice with Audi.

“Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role,” Binotto said.

“He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years and has played a key role in shaping our preparation for F1, not least with his work around technical partnerships.”

For Audi, this marks the fourth management restructure since the project was announced in 2022, but it was one that should provide the team with some much-needed stability after recent turmoil.

It is a move that makes a lot of sense, with McNish seen as a perfect fit to fill the gaps Wheatley left behind. 

Audi has finally reorganised its Formula 1 team following the recent and unexpected departure of Jonathan Wheatley.

Wheatley’s sudden exit as team principal last month shocked Audi and left the German squad in a state of flux two races into the 2026 F1 season.

Audi project head Mattia Binotto initially stepped into the role of chief executive officer and team principal to take on some of Wheatley’s responsibilities as an interim solution.

Binotto made it clear at the Japanese Grand Prix that he was not looking for a direct team principal replacement for Wheatley, but instead a figure who could take on many of duties he held so that Binotto could focus on wider leadership responsibilities.

Audi has now found its solution, with long-time Audi employee Allan McNish named racing director, as Crash.net had anticipated.

The new role will see McNish effectively take over day-to-day running of the F1 team, beginning at the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.

McNish’s position is an expansive one that will see him oversee sporting matters, engineering coordination, driver management, race strategy and garage operations. He will also handle on-track media and partner activities.

In addition, McNish will continue in his role as the head of Audi’s young driver programme.

“This is a marque that means a lot to me and it is an honour to be able to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsports,” McNish said following the confirmation of his role.

“This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and F1, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance.

“The project we are building is ambitious, and my focus will be on ensuring that all aspects of our race operations are delivering at their most competitive level and continuously improving.”

It is not the first time that McNish has run a racing team. He was the team principal of Audi’s Formula E team and proved himself to be a shrewd operator, leading the squad to the teams’ championship in the 2017-2018 season.

The 56-year-old Scott has a wealth of motorsport experience and enjoyed a hugely successful sportscar career. He is well respected and highly regarded within the racing world.

A former Toyota F1 driver in 2002, McNish’s best achievements came at the Le Mans 24 Hours, which he won three times and twice with Audi.

“Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role,” Binotto said.

“He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years and has played a key role in shaping our preparation for F1, not least with his work around technical partnerships.”

For Audi, this marks the fourth management restructure since the project was announced in 2022, but it was one that should provide the team with some much-needed stability after recent turmoil.

It is a move that makes a lot of sense, with McNish seen as a perfect fit to fill the gaps Wheatley left behind.