Adrian Newey, one of the most respected figures in Formula 1 design, will take on the role of Team Principal at Aston Martin at the start of next year. The move expands his current position as Managing Technical Partner and marks a major shift in the team’s leadership.
Newey began working with Aston Martin on March 1 this year after spending nearly twenty years with Red Bull. Under his updated responsibilities, he’ll now oversee the technical department and take a more direct role in trackside operations.
Andy Cowell Transitions to Chief Strategy Officer
Andy Cowell, who has led the team as both Team Principal and CEO over the past year, will step into a new role as Chief Strategy Officer. During his tenure, he has guided significant structural changes to help the team prepare for its transformation into a full works outfit next season.
In his upcoming position, Cowell will concentrate on strengthening Aston Martin’s key relationships with Honda, their new works engine partner, as well as Aramco and Valvoline. His aim will be to streamline collaboration and support the integration of the team’s new power unit.
Aston Martin says the leadership changes are meant to highlight the strengths of both Newey and Cowell, improving efficiency and ensuring everyone is positioned to make the biggest impact. Cowell will continue to report directly to executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who remains in charge of the team’s business operations.
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Newey Excited for 2026 Challenge
Newey has already begun shaping the design of next year’s car, which will need to meet sweeping new chassis and engine regulations. The team hopes this marks the beginning of a stronger era, especially as they become a full works team with Honda.
Reflecting on the upcoming transition, Newey said: “Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our team. I’m looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026, where we will face an entirely new position with Aston Martin now a works team combined with the considerable challenge faced by the new regulations. Andy’s new role, focusing on the integration of the new PU with our three key partners, will be pivotal in this journey.”
Leadership Praised During Transition
Stroll voiced his support for the shift in roles, saying: “Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year. He’s focused on building a world-class team and getting them to work well together, as well as fostering a culture that puts the race car back at the heart of what we do. This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the team. We all look forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity as Chief Strategy Officer.”
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Cowell added: “Having implemented much needed structural changes as we transition to a full works team and set the foundations for Adrian and the wider organisation, it is an appropriate time for me to take a different role as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, I will help to optimise the technical partnership between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis.”
Aiming for a Turnaround
Aston Martin has struggled this season and currently sits eighth in the Constructors’ standings, three spots lower than last year, with only two race weekends remaining. With Newey leading car development and new regulations on the horizon, the team hopes 2025 and beyond will mark a significant step forward.
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