Adrian Newey to Assume Team Principal Role at Aston Martin in 2026
Aston Martin has announced that Adrian Newey will take over as team principal in 2026, marking his first foray into this leadership position. Currently serving as a managing technical partner, Newey’s transition comes as part of a strategic reorganization within the team, with Andy Cowell moving to the role of chief strategy officer.
Newey and Cowell have agreed to divide their responsibilities to better position Aston Martin for the future, particularly as it evolves into a fully-fledged works team. Cowell, who previously held the roles of CEO and team principal, will concentrate on integrating the new power unit (PU) alongside key technical partners such as Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline.
“I have seen great individual talent within our team,” Newey stated. “I’m looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026, facing significant challenges posed by the new regulations.”
Cowell also emphasized the importance of his new position: “This is an appropriate time for me to take a different role as chief strategy officer. I will help to optimize the technical partnership and ensure the seamless integration of the team’s new PU, fuel, and chassis.” He will report directly to team owner Lawrence Stroll, who praised Cowell’s contributions thus far.
“Andy Cowell has been a great leader,” Stroll noted. “This leadership change is a mutual decision that serves the team’s interests, enabling Adrian to fully utilize his creative and technical expertise.”
Newey will be the fourth team principal at Aston Martin in the last four years, following Otmar Szafnauer, Mike Krack, and Cowell.
