Surprise as Newey takes the helm of Aston Martin team.

      "A calm, clever tinkerer"

      Aston Martin has surprised the paddock by announcing that Adrian Newey will become the team principal starting in 2026, while Andy Cowell will transition into a new strategic position. This shift comes after weeks of internal strain and notable exits within the Silverstone team.

      Tobias Gruner from Auto Motor und Sport reported that "seven crucial engineers," including aerodynamic chief Eric Blandin, were reportedly "on the chopping block," supposedly at Newey’s suggestion, with the team largely recruiting from Newey’s previous organization, Red Bull. Gruner also noted that tensions had escalated between Newey and Cowell, mentioning that "rumors circulated in Las Vegas about increasing tensions," linking figures like Horner and Seidl to Cowell’s position.

      Ultimately, Lawrence Stroll decided to appoint Newey directly. According to Gruner, this choice took many by surprise, as the 66-year-old is recognized more for his "quiet, ingenious tinkering" than for traditional team leadership.

      Cowell will remain as Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing collaboration with Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline, as well as managing the integration of the 2026 power unit. There has been speculation that Aston Martin's 2026 project may have encountered challenges, with Gruner mentioning a rumor that the new Honda unit "was carrying a few extra kilograms," although the team has yet to verify this.

      Aston Martin officially announced the restructuring late on Wednesday. Newey expressed his excitement about taking on this new role, while Stroll stated that the changes will "allow the team to leverage its collective strengths" for 2026. Cowell had held his position for just over a year.

      Aston Martin F1 Team