{"id":1873628,"date":"2026-04-09T08:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T05:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873628"},"modified":"2026-04-09T08:25:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T05:25:00","slug":"audi-racing-legend-tipped-as-f1-team-principal-option-after-wheatley-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873628","title":{"rendered":"Audi racing legend tipped as F1 team principal option after Wheatley exit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Audi racing legend tipped as F1 team principal option after Wheatley exit<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Allan McNish has been given a vote of confidence to take over from Jonathan Wheatley as the team principal of the Audi Formula 1 team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-09T09:25:00+01:00\">09 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Allan McNish in the F1 paddock.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Allan McNish has been given a vote of confidence to take over the reins at Audi\u2019s Formula 1 team by commentator Will Buxton.<\/p>\n<p>Audi may only be three races into its first season under its current guise, but it is already a team in transition, with team principal Jonathan Wheatley departing ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>While there has been much talk of where Wheatley will land next, but far less about how Audi will fill the void left, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto stepping in to temporarily take over alongside his existing duties.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Up to Speed\u00a0<\/em>podcast, Will Buxton believes he has found the answer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe they need someone to replace Jonathan Wheatley, and I believe they already have somebody on their books who could be either a team principal and let Mattia focus on the technical, as Adrian Newey is going to focus on the technical at Aston Martin,\u201d said Buxton.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think, for me, whether it\u2019s as a sporting director or as a team principal, Audi already has the perfect man for the job, and that is Allan McNish. Allan McNish, for those who don\u2019t already know, a brilliant Formula 1 driver, a brilliant endurance racing driver, won multiple times for Audi across the board in endurance racing, was their team principal in Formula E and took them from a team that couldn\u2019t win a race to winning the title within a year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While McNish\u2019s time in F1 is largely remembered for a sizable crash at Suzuka\u2019s 130R during qualifying for the 2002 Japanese Grand Prix, his record in endurance racing is astonishing, with three outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-13ecbe84c24be0198ad809f97a5a5abedaa531ec29560fed977880aee53fcf50\">  Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow?   New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>As suggested by Buxton, his management qualities were proven in Formula E, and it is somewhat of a surprise that he has not yet been shifted to a prominent public-facing role, with his previous experience showcasing his media-friendly personality.<\/p>\n<p>Buxton added: \u201cHe has a proven track record, he is their young driver development coach at the moment, heads up that programme for Audi, so he\u2019s already a part of the team.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, I think that Allan McNish would be able to slide straight into that role. He is hugely respected and for good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7ee864cfdbea17c1b4fbb049fb8a7908f6c3761eb5cebdb49158c740401702fd\">  F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019   Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Audi<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Max Verstappen to lose right-hand man to F1 rival McLaren bombshell report claims<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ferrari back in F1 test action at Fiorano<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393474_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-94793b2250099261c335a80225bde1b6fa454406dbaf09c53db20203cd27763b\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-3a51a54bccaf5a5491479f7239c85eac8a3bca8d6260928e720a85cd0d34b554\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775058292\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a266072_medium.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Bortoleto has scored Audi's only points so far\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774964780\"> 31\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404377_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Former Ferrari boss Binotto is covering Audi team principal duties\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774599199\"> 27\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1394920_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wheatley left Audi after a year with the German squad\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi\u2019s personnel problem: What next after shock F1 team boss exit?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774278394\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1401122_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi has been rocked by Wheatley's shock departure \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How the F1 2026 midfield battle is shaping up after two rounds <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774263176\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/2266585144-412.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Haas has emerged from the winter as the midfield leader \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jonathan Wheatley leaves Audi &#8220;with immediate effect&#8221;, paving way for Aston Martin F1 move<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774018371\"> 20\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1402041_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Jonathan Wheatley, Audi, China F1 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Allan McNish has been given a vote of confidence to take over from Jonathan Wheatley as the team principal of the Audi Formula 1 team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Allan McNish has been given a vote of confidence to take over the reins at Audi\u2019s Formula 1 team by commentator Will Buxton.<\/p>\n<p>Audi may only be three races into its first season under its current guise, but it is already a team in transition, with team principal Jonathan Wheatley departing ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>While there has been much talk of where Wheatley will land next, but far less about how Audi will fill the void left, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto stepping in to temporarily take over alongside his existing duties.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Up to Speed\u00a0<\/em>podcast, Will Buxton believes he has found the answer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe they need someone to replace Jonathan Wheatley, and I believe they already have somebody on their books who could be either a team principal and let Mattia focus on the technical, as Adrian Newey is going to focus on the technical at Aston Martin,\u201d said Buxton.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think, for me, whether it\u2019s as a sporting director or as a team principal, Audi already has the perfect man for the job, and that is Allan McNish. Allan McNish, for those who don\u2019t already know, a brilliant Formula 1 driver, a brilliant endurance racing driver, won multiple times for Audi across the board in endurance racing, was their team principal in Formula E and took them from a team that couldn\u2019t win a race to winning the title within a year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While McNish\u2019s time in F1 is largely remembered for a sizable crash at Suzuka\u2019s 130R during qualifying for the 2002 Japanese Grand Prix, his record in endurance racing is astonishing, with three outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-13ecbe84c24be0198ad809f97a5a5abedaa531ec29560fed977880aee53fcf50\">  Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow?   New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>As suggested by Buxton, his management qualities were proven in Formula E, and it is somewhat of a surprise that he has not yet been shifted to a prominent public-facing role, with his previous experience showcasing his media-friendly personality.<\/p>\n<p>Buxton added: \u201cHe has a proven track record, he is their young driver development coach at the moment, heads up that programme for Audi, so he\u2019s already a part of the team.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, I think that Allan McNish would be able to slide straight into that role. He is hugely respected and for good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7ee864cfdbea17c1b4fbb049fb8a7908f6c3761eb5cebdb49158c740401702fd\">  F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019   Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Allan McNish has been given a vote of confidence to take over the reins at Audi\u2019s Formula 1 team by commentator Will Buxton.<\/p>\n<p>Audi may only be three races into its first season under its current guise, but it is already a team in transition, with team principal Jonathan Wheatley departing ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>While there has been much talk of where Wheatley will land next, but far less about how Audi will fill the void left, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto stepping in to temporarily take over alongside his existing duties.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Up to Speed\u00a0<\/em>podcast, Will Buxton believes he has found the answer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe they need someone to replace Jonathan Wheatley, and I believe they already have somebody on their books who could be either a team principal and let Mattia focus on the technical, as Adrian Newey is going to focus on the technical at Aston Martin,\u201d said Buxton.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think, for me, whether it\u2019s as a sporting director or as a team principal, Audi already has the perfect man for the job, and that is Allan McNish. Allan McNish, for those who don\u2019t already know, a brilliant Formula 1 driver, a brilliant endurance racing driver, won multiple times for Audi across the board in endurance racing, was their team principal in Formula E and took them from a team that couldn\u2019t win a race to winning the title within a year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While McNish\u2019s time in F1 is largely remembered for a sizable crash at Suzuka\u2019s 130R during qualifying for the 2002 Japanese Grand Prix, his record in endurance racing is astonishing, with three outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-13ecbe84c24be0198ad809f97a5a5abedaa531ec29560fed977880aee53fcf50\">  Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow?   New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>As suggested by Buxton, his management qualities were proven in Formula E, and it is somewhat of a surprise that he has not yet been shifted to a prominent public-facing role, with his previous experience showcasing his media-friendly personality.<\/p>\n<p>Buxton added: \u201cHe has a proven track record, he is their young driver development coach at the moment, heads up that programme for Audi, so he\u2019s already a part of the team.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, I think that Allan McNish would be able to slide straight into that role. He is hugely respected and for good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7ee864cfdbea17c1b4fbb049fb8a7908f6c3761eb5cebdb49158c740401702fd\">  F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019   Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092928\/1\/allan-mcnish-tipped-audi-f1-team-principal-replacement&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1338991_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Audi racing legend tipped as F1 team principal option after Wheatley exit Allan McNish has been given a vote of confidence to take over from Jonathan Wheatley as the team principal of the Audi Formula 1 team. Sam Hall 09 Apr 2026 Share Allan McNish in the F1 paddock. \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1873628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1873628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873628\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1873628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1873628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1873628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}