In a stunning development at Aston Martin F1, Adrian Newey has been confirmed as their new team principal from 2026 onward. He will take over from Andy Cowell who remains with the company as their chief strategy officer.
Rumours first surfaced at the weekend in Las Vegas that Andy Cowell would be removed from his position as Aston Martin F1 team principal due to disagreements with Adrian Newey about how things are done inside the Silverstone-based squad.
Initial reports suggested Mattia Binotto, Christian Horner and Andreas Seidl were the name in the hat to replace the former Mercedes engine head. However, Adrian Newey takes the reigns instead.
In his new role as chief strategy officer, Cowell will be key in helping make sure things run seamlessly on the engine side. Honda joins Aston Martin ahead of the huge regulation overhaul in 2026. The Brit joined Aston in July 2024. He was appointed team principal in January of this year, replacing Mike Krack.
Alongside his new team principal role at Aston Martin F1, Adrian Newey will be responsible for guiding the technical team, including the trackside operations of the car. The legendary designer officially started in March after leaving Red Bull following a hugely successful 19-year period there.
Two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso and his teammate Lance Stroll will head into a fourth consecutive season together at Aston.
Andy Cowell, new chief strategy officer said:
“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 and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis.”
Lawrence Stroll said:
“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. I’m also pleased that Adrian Newey will step into the Team Principal role, which will enable him to make full use of his creative and technical expertise. Both these changes will ensure the Team is best placed to play to their collective strengths.”
Adrian Newey, new Aston Martin F1 team principal said:
“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.”
