Adrian Newey appointed Aston Martin crew principal for 2026 in shock transfer

Adrian Newey has been appointed Aston Martin’s F1 crew principal for the 2026 season in a shock transfer.

Following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, stories emerged claiming that Aston Martin had been set to exchange Andy Cowell.

Christian Horner, Andreas Seidl and Mattia Binotto had been all linked with Cowell’s job.

Nonetheless, forward of this weekend’s race in Qatar, the crew have introduced Newey will take the position of crew principal from subsequent season.

Cowell will take the place of Chief Technique Officer, making certain Aston Martin can “optimise the technical partnerships between the Staff, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and can work intently with the Staff’s companions to make sure the seamless integration of the Staff’s new PU, gas and chassis”.

Talking of the information, Newey stated: “Over the past 9 months, I’ve seen nice particular person expertise inside our Staff.

“I’m trying ahead to taking up this extra position as we put ourselves in the absolute best place to compete in 2026, the place we are going to face a completely new place with Aston Martin now a works crew mixed with the appreciable problem confronted by the brand new laws.”

Cowell added: “Having carried out a lot wanted structural adjustments as we transition to a full works crew and set the foundations for Adrian and the broader organisation, it’s an applicable time for me to take a distinct position as Chief Technique Officer.

“On this position, I’ll assist to optimise the technical partnership between the Staff, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to make sure the seamless integration of the Staff’s new PU, gas and chassis.”

Aston Martin might be hoping to supply a race-winning automobile in 2026.

Proprietor Lawrence Stroll has invested closely since taking on the crew.

From upgrading their Silverstone headquarters to signing Newey as managing technical associate, Aston Martin are gearing up for an enormous season.

Aston Martin are additionally becoming a member of forces with Honda from 2026, successfully changing into a works outfit.

Since Stroll’s takeover, Aston Martin haven’t completed greater than fifth within the championship.

Their greatest season was in 2023, the place Fernando Alonso scored a handful of podiums.

Alonso will stay alongside Lance Stroll in 2026.