Aston Martin have appointed Adrian Newey as Team Principal from the 2026 F1 season as part of leadership changes.
Newey’s promotion comes less than a year with the team – having joined in March 2025 after a period of leave following his exit from Red Bull which was announced in May 2024, followed by confirmation of his move to Aston Martin in September of that year.
Andy Cowell meanwhile will become Chief Strategy Officer in a division of responsibilities which will allow him and Newey to efficiently maximise their strengths and expertise within the team.
Upon confirmation of his new position, Newey complimented the team for their efforts in a tough season and is excited to become Team Principal, but iterated that Cowell’s new role will allow integration of their new power unit as Honda become their power unit supplier.
“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.”
Cowell added that he felt that now “is an appropriate time” for him to adopt a new role within the team, with view to helping “… 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.”
Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll praised Cowell for his efforts to consolidate the team this season ready to adapt quickly to the new regulations once 2026 arrives, and thanked him for his willingness to make a positional change to benefit the team.
“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.”
Stroll also was “pleased” to appoint Newey as Team Principal, “which will enable him to make full use of his creative and technical expertise.”