Formula 1 design genius Adrian Newey has been appointed Team Principal at Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team, a surprise move effective for the 2026 season.
Newey will replace Andy Cowell, who transitions to Chief Strategy Officer to focus on integrating the crucial three-way partnership with new power unit supplier Honda and fuel partner Aramco.
Newey explained the decision was pragmatic: Cowell’s skillset is vital for the 2026 Power Unit (PU) challenge, and since Newey plans to attend “all the early races anyway,” he “may as well pick up” the Team Principal duties.
The Briton stressed that his primary focus will remain on designing the 2026 car as the team targets a step up in the new era.
He is “determined not to dilute” his core responsibility of car construction and development.
