Adrian Newey will change into a crew principal for the primary time when he takes over the position from Andy Cowell at Aston Martin in 2026.
Aston Martin signed Newey as managing technical associate earlier this 12 months, working alongside Cowell who was beforehand CEO and crew principal. Nonetheless, the pair have now “agreed to divide their duties” in response to the crew, with Cowell turning into chief technique officer whereas Newey leads the crew for the primary time in his profession.
“Over the final 9 months, I’ve seen nice particular person expertise inside our crew,” Newey mentioned. “I’m wanting ahead to taking up this extra position as we put ourselves in the very best place to compete in 2026, the place we will face a wholly new place with Aston Martin now a works crew mixed with the appreciable problem confronted by the brand new laws.
“Andy’s new position, focusing on the integration of the brand new PU with our three key companions, will probably be pivotal on this journey.”
Cowell’s new place will see him reporting into crew proprietor Lawrence Stroll – who leads the enterprise features at Aston Martin – and give attention to the combination of recent technical companions.
“Having carried out a lot wanted structural modifications as we transition to a full works crew and set the foundations for Adrian and the broader group, it’s an applicable time for me to take a special position as chief technique officer,” Cowell mentioned. “On this position, I’ll assist to optimize the technical partnership between the Staff, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to make sure the seamless integration of the crew’s new PU, gas and chassis.”
Stroll himself praised Cowell’s work thus far, having solely signed the previous Mercedes Excessive Efficiency Powertrains (HPP) boss final 12 months.
“Andy Cowell has been an ideal chief this 12 months,” Stroll mentioned. “He’s targeted on constructing a world-class crew and getting them to work properly collectively, in addition to fostering a tradition that places the race automotive again on the coronary heart of what we do. This management change is a mutual determination we’ve got reached within the curiosity of the crew. All of us stay up for persevering with working with him in his new capability as chief technique officer.
“I’m additionally happy that Adrian Newey will step into the crew principal position, which is able to allow him to make full use of his artistic and technical experience. Each these modifications will make sure the crew is finest positioned to play to their collective strengths.”
Newey will change into the fourth Aston Martin crew principal within the final 4 years, following Otmar Szafnauer, Mike Krack – who stays with the crew as chief trackside officer – and Cowell.
