‘I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise’ – Gabriel Bortoleto reacts to Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from Audi

Gabriel Bortoleto admits that Jonathan Wheatley’s departure from the Audi Formula 1 team did not come as a complete surprise, with the former Team Principal unable to “commit to the project fully” due to personal reasons.

Just days after the Chinese Grand Prix, Audi announced that Wheatley would be leaving his role with immediate effect having been at the team – formerly Kick Sauber – for less than a year.

In a statement, Audi stated that Wheatley had left “due to personal reasons”, having joined from Red Bull where he spent more than two decades.

Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, Bortoleto was asked for his thoughts on Wheatley’s departure after just two races since Audi came into F1.

“I think he couldn’t commit to the project fully because he had personal things that he made public, and when you have personal things you need to put in place, that’s the priority,” said Bortoleto during Thursday’s media day.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise. Obviously it’s a short period of time, it’s only two races, he has been with us last year as well so it’s not only that he has done two races.”

Reflecting on the impact Wheatley had in his time with the team, Bortoleto added: He did a very good job last year, and this year as well I think. Everything was going quite smooth.

“He put everyone in a good place, we were improving in a lot of areas. I think he brought some positivity to the team and I think one of the things we always aim inside this team, not only with one person but with everyone, is that we are a team and we do things as a team so we don’t depend on one person.

“Whatever he has done last year, whatever he has done this year, it doesn’t depend on one person. It’s going to keep going in this direction I would say.”

Head of the Audi F1 project, Mattia Binotto, will take on Wheatley’s responsibilities, having previously been Team Principal at Ferrari, with Bortoleto optimistic about what the change in leadership will bring.

“It is what it is but we move on and I’m happy to have Mattia pointing us in the right direction,” he said.

“Mattia is taking over completely and taking full responsibility. He’s a guy that I fully trust and a guy that gave me the opportunity to be in F1 so I’m extremely grateful and I’m also very optimistic about what he can bring with more responsibility.”