Adrian Newey to become Aston Martin Team Principal from 2026 as Andy Cowell takes on new role
Design legend Adrian Newey will become Team Principal of Aston Martin at the start of next year, as part of an extension of his role as Managing Technical Partner.
Newey began work with Aston Martin on March 1 earlier this year, having spent the best part of two decades with Red Bull.
As part of his revised role, Newey will guide the technical team, including trackside operations of the car.
Andy Cowell, who has spent the last year as Team Principal and CEO implementing structural changes to aid the squad’s transition to a full works team next year, will become Chief Strategy Officer.
His focus will be on optimising the technical partnership between the team, works engine supplier Honda, fuel supplier Aramco and lubricant partner Valvoline.
Aston Martin says the leadership structure change is designed to focus on Newey and Cowell’s “individual strengths and expertise, ensuring organisational efficiency”.
Cowell will report to executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who “will continue to lead the business functions of the team”.
Newey 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.”
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.”
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 and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis.”
Aston Martin have had a difficult season and are currently eighth in the Teams’ Championship, three places lower than they finished last year with just two race weekends to go.
Newey has been working on next year’s design, which will be built to sweeping new chassis and power unit regulations, since he joined in March – with the team hoping to herald a new era and step up the order.
