Adrian Newey will develop into staff principal for the primary time, taking up the position from Aston Martin’s Andy Cowell in 2026.
Aston Martin signed Newey as managing technical companion earlier this yr, working alongside Cowell, who was beforehand CEO and staff principal. Nonetheless, the staff stated the 2 have “agreed to share accountability,” with Cowell changing into chief technique officer and Newey main the staff for the primary time in his profession.
“Over the previous 9 months, I’ve seen nice particular person expertise inside our staff,” Newey stated. “I’m trying ahead to taking up this extra position to place ourselves in the absolute best place to compete in 2026, the place Aston Martin will develop into a works staff and we are going to face a totally new place, coupled with the large challenges confronted by the brand new rules.”
“Andy’s new position, targeted on integrating the brand new PU and our three key companions, might be crucial to this effort.”
In his new position, Cowell will report on to staff proprietor Lawrence Stroll, who leads Aston Martin’s enterprise divisions, and can deal with integrating new expertise companions.
“As we transfer to a full works staff and implement much-needed structural modifications as we set up the foundations for Adrian and the broader group, the time is true for me to tackle a unique position as chief technique officer,” Cowell stated. “On this position, I’ll assist optimize the technical partnership between the staff, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and guarantee seamless integration of the staff’s new PU, gasoline and chassis.”
Stroll himself praised the work of Cowell, who signed with the previous head of Mercedes Excessive Efficiency Powertrain (HPP) final yr.
“Andy Cowell has been a fantastic chief this yr,” Stroll stated. “He’s targeted on constructing a world-class staff, enabling it to work properly collectively, and fostering a tradition that places race automobiles again on the coronary heart of what we do. This alteration in management is a mutual determination we made in the very best curiosity of the staff. All of us sit up for persevering with to work with him in his new capability as Chief Technique Officer.”
“I’m additionally happy that Adrian Newey might be taking up the position of staff principal, which can allow him to profit from his inventive and technical experience. These modifications will make sure that the staff is optimally positioned to maximise its collective strengths.”
Newey turns into the fourth Aston Martin staff principal previously 4 years, becoming a member of Otmar Szafnauer, Mike Clack, who stays with the staff as chief trackside officer, and Cowell.
