Gabriel Bortleto has revealed that group principal Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure from Audi was not a “shock”.
After the Chinese language Grand Prix, rumors rapidly unfold that former Crimson Bull sports activities director Wheatley can be leaving Audi to turn out to be Aston Martin’s group principal.
Wheatley’s departure from Audi was confirmed on Friday, March 20, though the Aston Martin facet stays “speculative”, in response to the group.
“To be sincere, no, as a result of I believe there’s a clear understanding throughout the group about this sort of factor,” Bortleto mentioned when requested if his departure got here as a shock. “So, I am not stunned. I am not going to lie. It occurred in a short time. He joined final yr. He joined final yr.”
“However once more, when you must get your private issues so as, that is the precedence.”
pushed by crash web Bortleto added of the dialog he had with Wheatley after the announcement: “I have never talked to him a lot, we simply had just a little chat after the announcement.
He additionally made it public, however as a consequence of private points and private causes, he was unable to take part within the venture. Clearly I did not clarify to him intimately what it was like. No matter it’s, it is his downside and I will depart it at that. ”
Though there have been no surprises, Bortleto had little forewarning of what was to return, explaining, “I believe all of it occurred in a short time after China. I do not know the precise date, however it was someplace between China and right here.”
Wheatley joined Audi in April 2025 after taking a gardening break after almost 20 years at Crimson Bull.
The Briton, who has beforehand labored with a number of world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, has a eager eye for what makes a profitable F1 driver and was an outspoken admirer of Bortleto.
“Effectively, he spoke very nicely about me, so I am grateful for that. I had fun with him on the course and realized some good issues,” mentioned the Brazilian.
“That is additionally nonetheless within the early levels. That is the primary race we’ll run with out him, however we want him all the perfect for the long run.”
He added: “He was a superb group consultant on the group. Individuals favored him and he did an excellent job of constructing issues right here, so he was good whereas it lasted.”
