Will Buxton backs Allan McNish as ideal Audi F1 team principal candidate

Following the immediate departure of Jonathan Wheatley as Audi's F1 team principal, former F1 TV analyst Will Buxton has publicly endorsed Allan McNish as the 'perfect' internal candidate to fill the vacancy. While project head Mattia Binotto has taken on the role temporarily, Buxton argues McNish's deep history with Audi and proven leadership make him an ideal fit to lead the team's sporting operations.

Why it matters:

Audi's entry into Formula 1 is one of the sport's most anticipated team transitions, and stable, effective leadership is critical for its success. Choosing the right team principal will define the team's culture, operational efficiency, and ability to attract talent as it builds from the Sauber foundation. An appointment with McNish's pedigree could signal serious intent and provide immediate credibility within the paddock.

The Details:

• The sudden exit of Jonathan Wheatley on March 20th created an immediate leadership gap at the Audi F1 project.
• Mattia Binotto, the head of the overall Audi F1 project, has assumed the team principal duties on an interim basis.
• On the Up To Speed podcast, Will Buxton proposed that Audi already has the ideal candidate within its ranks: Allan McNish.
  • Buxton suggested McNish could serve as team principal, allowing Binotto to focus on technical direction—a similar dynamic to Adrian Newey's planned role at Aston Martin.
• McNish's Audi Pedigree: Buxton highlighted McNish's extensive and successful history with the Audi brand.
  • He is a multiple-time winner for Audi in endurance racing, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
  • He served as team principal for the Audi Formula E team, transforming it from a non-winner to a championship-winning squad within a year.
• Current Role and Respect: McNish is currently the director of Audi's young driver development programme, meaning he is already integrated into the F1 project's structure. Buxton emphasized that McNish is "hugely respected and for good reason" across the motorsport world.

What's Next:

Audi now faces a key decision in shaping its F1 future. While Binotto provides experienced temporary cover, a permanent appointment will be a major signal of the team's direction.

• Opting for an internal candidate like McNish would ensure continuity and leverage existing institutional knowledge.
• His proven track record in managing a works Audi team in Formula E is highly relevant experience for the F1 challenge ahead.
• The decision will be closely watched as an indicator of how Audi intends to structure its leadership for the demanding 2026 season and beyond.