Aston Martin has confirmed Adrian Newey will take over as team principal from the beginning of 2026, as part of a significant reshuffle at the top of its Formula 1 operation.
The Briton arrived earlier this year at the Silverstone-based team as a managing technical partner. Newey will expand his remit to oversee the entire F1 programme now as the team prepares for its first full season as a full Honda works outfit under the incoming 2026 regulations.
Newey, who joined the Silverstone outfit earlier this year as managing technical partner, will now take charge of the entire F1 operation as the team prepares for its first full season as a Honda works squad under the new 2026 regulations.
Newey said, “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.”
Cowell Shifted Into New Strategy Position
Current team principal Andy Cowell, will transition into a newly created position of chief strategy officer, where he will focus on strengthening the team’s alignment with Honda and fuel partner Aramco. His move comes just over a year after stepping into the team principal role, and follows recent speculation of tension between him and Newey over the technical and structural direction of the team.
Senior Departures and Technical Overhaul
Newey has been pushing for widespread changes and tools. As part of the restructuring, Aston Martin has removed at least seven senior employees from their Formula 1 design department before the 2026 season. Most recently, at the Brazilian Grand Prix, it came to light that the aerodynamics director Eric Blandin would be leaving the team.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll said, “This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the team.”
“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,” he added.
Christian Horner and Andreas Seidl were among the external names linked to the team boss role, but Aston Martin ultimately decided to select from within.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kanzahmaktoum/2025/11/26/adrian-newey-named-aston-martin-team-principal-in-major-f1-shake-up/
