Adrian Newey named Aston Martin team principal from 2026 season - as legendary designer takes on new role in leadership shake-up

Adrian Newey has been confirmed as Aston Martin's new team principal from the start of 2026, as part of a reshuffled at the F1 team.

Newey, Formula One's most revered car designer, was confirmed to be joining Aston Martin last September in a £20million-a-year deal.

He took up the position as managing technical partner in March, after snubbing interest from rival teams following his departure from Red Bull.

Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll has now confirmed changes to their leadership structure, which will see Newey become team principal.

Newey will also be tasked with guiding the technical team, including the trackside operations of the car. 

Andy Cowell, who has served as chief executive and team principal for 14 months, will become chief strategy officer.

Aston Martin claim the changes will allow Newey and Cowell to 'focus on their individual strengths and expertise, ensuring organisational efficiency'.

Cowell will be tasked with optimising technical partnerships between the team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline, Aston Martin said in a statement.

Aston Martin added that Cowell will also work closely with the team's partners to ensure 'seamless integration of the team's new PU, fuel and chassis.' 

Aston Martin state the leadership changes come ahead of the biggest changes to Formula One in a generation, with new technical regulations and an additional team in Cadillac joining the grid.

'Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our team,' Newey said.

'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 added: 'Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year. He's focussed 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.

'I'm also pleased that Adrian Newey will step into the Team Principal role, which will enable him to make full use of his creative and technical expertise. Both these changes will ensure the team is best placed to play to their collective strengths.'

Aston Martin are eighth in the constructors championship this season having accrued 72 points, putting them ahead of only Sauber and Alpine.

Fernando Alonso has earned 40 points and Lance Stroll securing 32.