In a significant strategic shift, the Aston Martin Formula 1 team has confirmed that technical mastermind Adrian Newey will assume the role of Team Principal starting from the 2026 season. The announcement on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, ends speculation linking former Red Bull chief Christian Horner to the position and marks a new chapter for the Silverstone-based outfit.
From Technical Guru to Team Leader
Adrian Newey, the 66-year-old engineering legend, will take direct charge of trackside operations. This promotion comes after he committed his long-term future to Aston Martin in September 2024, following a high-profile departure from Red Bull that ignited a fierce bidding war for his expertise. Notably, this will be the first time Newey has held the official Team Principal title, despite his instrumental role in securing 13 World Drivers' Championships and 12 constructors' titles with three different teams throughout his illustrious career.
A Reshuffle Amidst Disappointing Performance
The decision follows a challenging season for the team, which currently sits a disappointing eighth in the constructors' standings with just two races remaining. Pressure had been mounting on the outgoing Team Principal and CEO, Andy Cowell, amid the team's lacklustre performance and reported disagreements with Newey, who holds the position of managing technical partner and is also a team shareholder.
In the resulting management reshuffle, Andy Cowell will transition to a new role as Chief Strategy Officer. This position will see him focus on the critical integration of the new power unit with the team's three key partners, a vital task ahead of the sweeping new technical regulations set for 2026.
Positioning for a New Era in Formula 1
Newey expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded role, stating, "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." He emphasised the dual challenge and opportunity presented by Aston Martin's new status as a works team combined with the major regulatory overhaul.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll, who secured Newey's move from Red Bull in what was considered a major coup, endorsed the changes. He praised Cowell's leadership in building a "world-class team" and fostering a performance-focused culture. Stroll added that Newey's step up would allow the team to fully leverage his "creative and technical expertise," ensuring the squad is optimally structured to harness its collective strengths for the future.
This strategic move signals Aston Martin's ambitious intent to become a front-runner under the new 2026 regulations, leveraging Newey's unparalleled technical vision in a direct leadership capacity for the very first time.
