Aston Martin: Adrian Newey new boss; Cowell to strategy for 2026.

Starting in 2026, Adrian Newey will take on the role of team principal for Aston Martin, while the current director and CEO of the team, Andy Cowell, will become the director of strategy. This news arrives after intense speculation about the team’s future leadership.

Cowell and Newey have agreed to divide their responsibilities to focus on their individual strengths and expertise, ensuring organizational efficiency.

Official statement from Aston Martin

Newey, whose cars have won 12 constructors’ titles throughout his career, joined Aston Martin at the beginning of this season as a shareholder in the team. The experienced 66-year-old professional arrived at the team as a technical managing partner, but his shareholding implied a more senior role than that of any other technical director in F1. Cowell, who has been with the team for 14 months, took over as team director from Mike Krack earlier this year.

The former head of engines at Mercedes will now take on a new role in which he will work closely with the new power unit supplier, Honda, as well as Aramco and Valvoline, who will supply fuel and lubricants to the team starting next year. According to the Aston Martin statement, the majority owner and executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll, will continue to lead the team’s commercial functions.

Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year. He has focused on building a first-class team and making them work well together, as well as fostering a culture that puts the race car at the center of what we do.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin

Stroll added that the decision is mutual and that they are happy that Newey is taking over as team principal. Newey also expressed his enthusiasm.

In the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our team.

Adrian Newey

Aston Martin has invested heavily in a new factory and a wind tunnel in recent years with the aim of fighting for victories and championships under a new set of technical regulations in 2026.

Having implemented the much-needed structural changes as we transition to a complete and stable working team and establish the foundations for Adrian and the organization in general, it is an appropriate time for me to take on a different role as Director of Strategy.

Andy CowellAfter a disappointing 2025 campaign, Aston Martin currently occupies eighth place in this year’s constructors’ standings, after losing seventh place to Haas at last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.