Adrian Newey Named Aston Martin Team Principal in 2026; Cowell Shifts Role

Adrian Newey, the renowned design engineer, will take the role of Team Principal at Aston Martin starting January 2026. He has been serving as the Managing Technical Partner since March 1, 2023, after a notable career with Red Bull Racing.

Leadership Changes at Aston Martin

This structural change marks a strategic shift for Aston Martin as the team transitions to a fully-fledged works team. Newey will oversee the technical department, including trackside operations.

• New Role: Team Principal
• Start Date: January 2026
• Previous Role: Managing Technical Partner since March 1, 2023
• Former Experience: Nearly two decades at Red Bull Racing

Andy Cowell’s New Position

Andy Cowell, who has served as Team Principal and CEO for the past year, will transition to the role of Chief Strategy Officer. His main responsibilities will include optimizing the partnership with key suppliers: Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline.

Cowell’s focus will be on the integration of the new power unit (PU) and ensuring seamless collaboration among the team’s technical partners. He commented on the change, stating that after implementing crucial structural changes, a new role is timely to support the team’s future efforts.

Statements from Leadership

Lawrence Stroll, the executive chairman of Aston Martin, highlighted Cowell’s contributions over the last season. He expressed confidence that the leadership restructuring would leverage both Cowell and Newey’s strengths for improved operational efficiency. Stroll noted:

“This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the team.”

Newey commented on the transition, emphasizing the talent present in the team and the importance of the upcoming regulations that will define Aston Martin’s trajectory in 2026.

Aston Martin’s Current Standing

Aston Martin’s performance this season has been challenging. They are currently positioned eighth in the Teams’ Championship, which is three places lower than the previous year. With only two races left in the season, the team is eager to shift its focus to the 2026 season and the new regulations that come with it.

With Newey overseeing the design of the next car under the new chassis and power unit regulations, Aston Martin is poised to enter a new competitive era.