Newey to become team principal at Aston Martin from 2026

New roles within the team

Adrian Newey will become team principal at Aston Martin from the start of 2026. He joined the team earlier this season as managing technical partner. His responsibilities will be expanded from next year.

Andy Cowell will take on the new role of chief strategy officer. In this role, he will focus on collaboration with the new engine partner Honda and fuel supplier Aramco.

Background and reasons

Cowell joined the company as CEO just over a year ago. Last winter, he also took on the role of team principal. This was part of a restructuring process aimed at making progress and preparing the team for Newey.

Nevertheless, there have been signs of disagreement between Newey and Cowell over the direction of the team in recent months. Newey was quick to point out where he saw room for improvement. Among other things, he mentioned that the simulation facilities at the team's infrastructure were not up to the desired standard.

When Newey delved deeper into the processes, he requested further changes. This led to the departure of seven senior members of the aerodynamics department, including aerodynamics director Eric Blandin. The lack of consensus on the direction to take ultimately proved to be the reason for the new approach.

Other candidates and decision-making

Other names were also mentioned for the role of team principal. Christian Horner and Andreas Seidl, among others, were in the running. The team ultimately decided to give Newey the position. Owner Lawrence Stroll says that everyone involved agrees with the change.

What does this mean for 2026?

Newey said he has seen a lot of individual talent in the team. He wants to put the team in the best position to compete in 2026. Aston Martin will then become a works team, which, combined with the new regulations, will be a considerable challenge.

As chief strategy officer, Cowell will focus on maximising the collaboration between the team, Honda and Aramco. Stroll praised Cowell for his leadership and said that Newey's creative and technical expertise will give him more scope to contribute.

• Newey to become team principal from 2026
• Cowell becomes chief strategy officer
• Focus on collaboration with Honda and Aramco
• Departure of several senior aeronautical staff members
• Objective: to compete under new rules in 2026

The new management must ensure a clear course of action and better results on the track.