Aston Martin names Newey as 2026 team principal following Horner rumours · RaceFans

Aston Martin has named Adrian Newey as its new staff principal for 2026 following rumours it was poised to signal former Crimson Bull CEO Christian Horner.

The staff introduced on Wednesday that Andy Cowell will step down from the staff principal position he took over in January.

Newey, who joined Aston Martin from Crimson Bull earlier this 12 months, has by no means beforehand held the place of staff principal.

“Over the past 9 months, I’ve seen nice particular person expertise inside our staff,” he mentioned. “I’m trying ahead to taking up this extra position as we put ourselves in the very best place to compete in 2026, the place we’ll face a wholly new place with Aston Martin now a works staff mixed with the appreciable problem confronted by the brand new rules.

“Andy’s new position, specializing in the mixing of the brand new [power unit] with our three key companions, shall be pivotal on this journey.”

Cowell, who masterminded Mercedes’ enormously profitable energy unit programme when the present V6 hybrid turbos have been launched, is to tackle a brand new position as chief technique officer.

Aston Martin will grow to be Honda’s works engine staff subsequent 12 months. Cowell’s obligations shall be targeted on creating the relationships between the staff and energy unit producers in addition to gas and lubricants suppliers Aramco and Valvoline.

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Cowell mentioned his precedence shall be “to make sure the seamless integration of the staff’s new PU, gas and chassis.”

“Having applied a lot wanted structural adjustments as we transition to a full works staff and set the foundations for Adrian and the broader organisation, it’s an applicable time for me to take a unique position as chief technique officer,” he added.

Aston Martin proprietor Lawrence Stroll mentioned Cowell “has been a fantastic chief this 12 months” and the change is “a mutual resolution we’ve got reached within the curiosity of the staff.”

“I’m additionally happy that Adrian Newey will step into the staff principal position, which is able to allow him to make full use of his artistic and technical experience,” Stroll added. “Each these adjustments will make sure the Workforce is greatest positioned to play to their collective strengths.”

Newey shall be Aston Martin’s fourth staff principal because the model entered F1 in 2021. Otmar Szafnauer held the place that 12 months earlier than Mike Krack took over in 2022. Krack has additionally remained with the staff as its chief trackside officer.

Aston Martin received the race to signal star designer Newey after he introduced his departure from Crimson Bull final 12 months. He spent nearly 20 years on the staff, producing a sequence of championship-winning vehicles, as he beforehand did for McLaren and Williams.

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