Aston Martin F1 is executing a strategic leadership shake-up ahead of 2026, a move designed to maximize talent, efficiency, and competitiveness. Design legend Adrian Newey will take on the role of Team Principal, expanding his duties as Managing Technical Partner, while Andy Cowell, after a year as Team Principal and CEO, will become Chief Strategy Officer.

Newey, who joined Aston Martin on March 1 after nearly two decades at Red Bull, will now oversee the technical team, including trackside operations.

“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.”

The leadership restructure aims to leverage Newey and Cowell’s individual strengths, ensuring organizational efficiency and a clear focus in their respective domains. Cowell will report to executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who will continue leading the team’s business functions.

Stroll emphasized the change’s importance: “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.”

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, ensuring the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel, and chassis.”

Aston Martin has endured a challenging 2025 season, currently eighth in the Constructors’ Championship, three positions lower than last year, with just two race weekends remaining. Since March, Newey has been working on the 2026 car design, prepared to tackle the sweeping new chassis and power unit regulations, aiming to launch a new era that elevates the team on the grid.