Audi Revolut F1 Team has moved swiftly to reinforce its trackside leadership structure following the unexpected exit of Jonathan Wheatley, announcing that Allan McNish will assume the role of Racing Director with immediate effect.
The appointment marks a significant strengthening of Audi’s operational core as the team continues its first season in Formula One.
McNish, one of the most respected figures in global motorsport and a central architect of Audi’s F1 programme since its inception, will take responsibility for coordinating all trackside operations.
His remit spans sporting matters, engineering integration, driver management, race strategy, garage operations, and all on‑track media and partner activities. He will formally assume trackside accountability from the Miami Grand Prix onwards.
A natural fit at a pivotal stage
Having been embedded in the project from the beginning, McNish brings what Audi describes as a uniquely deep understanding of both the organisation and the demands of elite‑level motorsport. His appointment comes at a crucial moment in the team’s evolution, as Audi seeks to consolidate its operational foundations during its rookie campaign.
A former Formula One driver, McNish’s career includes test and reserve roles with multiple teams, three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a FIA World Endurance Championship title.
Within Audi, he has held several senior positions, including Director of Coordination for Audi Group Motorsport and Team Principal of Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler in Formula E. Most recently, he has led Audi’s Driver Development Programme—a role he will continue alongside his new responsibilities.
McNish will report directly to Mattia Binotto, who serves as both CEO and Team Principal of Audi Revolut F1 Team.
Binotto emphasised McNish’s long‑standing influence within Audi’s motorsport structure and the strategic importance of his expanded responsibilities: “Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role.
“He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years and, in his roles within Audi Revolut F1 Team since its start, has played a key role in shaping our preparation for Formula One, not least with his work around technical partnerships.
“This appointment strengthens our trackside leadership at a crucial stage of our project. Allan’s ability to connect all performance‑related areas – from sporting operations to driver development – will be fundamental as we continue to build our team.”
“A privilege to take on the role of Racing Director”
McNish expressed pride in representing Audi on motorsport’s biggest stage and outlined his focus on competitive execution: “It is a privilege to take on the role of Racing Director for Audi Revolut F1 Team: 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.
“This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and Formula One, 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. Together with our Driver Development Programme, to which I remain fully committed, my focus will be on implementing the building blocks for our success, under the direction of Mattia and the Board of Directors.”
A strategic response to a sudden vacancy
Wheatley’s abrupt departure created a significant leadership gap at a time when Audi is still establishing its operational identity in Formula One. McNish’s appointment—given his experience, internal credibility, and long‑standing involvement—represents both a stabilising measure and a strategic consolidation of authority.
Audi’s statement underscores the organisation’s commitment to building a high‑performance, integrated racing structure capable of competing at the highest level. With McNish now overseeing all trackside functions, the team aims to accelerate its competitive development as the season progresses.
