Adrian Newey handed new job as Aston Martin confirm major changes for 2026 season | F1 | Sport
Adrian Newey will become Aston Martin’s team principal from 2026 after joining the Silverstone outfit in March. The 66-year-old was initially brought in as the team’s managing technical partner, and will combine that job with his new role. Meanwhile, current team chief Andy Cowell is set to become Aston Martin’s chief strategy officer.
Newey spent the best part of two decades at Red Bull and played an instrumental role as Sebastian Vettel four consecutive F1 world titles between 2010 and 2013. The Englishman was also pivotal to max Verstappen’s recent success. But Red Bull announced in May 2024 that he would be departing, with Aston Martin then confirming his arrival just over four months later.
Aston Martin have endured a tough season in F1 and have been unable to claim any podium places in 2025.
Fernando Alonso has racked up 40 points across the campaign, with his team-mate Lance Stroll accumulating just 32 points.
The duo find themselves 13th and 16th respectively in the Drivers’ Championship standings, with Aston Martin currently eighth in the Constructors’ Championship standings ahead of the final two races.
And announcing the changes in a statement, Aston Martin explained: “The 2026 season brings the biggest changes to Formula One in a generation, with new technical regulations and an additional team on the grid.
“To take advantage of the opportunity this brings, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is announcing changes in its leadership structure.
“These strategic changes are designed to ensure the team is well prepared to play to its collective strengths in 2026.”
The F1 team also revealed that “Andy Cowell and Adrian Newey have agreed to divide their responsibilities in order to focus on their individual strengths and expertise, ensuring organisational efficiency.”
And Aston Martin added: “As managing technical partner, Adrian Newey will be responsible for guiding the technical team, including the trackside operations of the car and will take on the additional role of team principal from 2026.”
Meanwhile, Newey stated: “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.”
