Stroll addresses speculation about Newey’s role after Wheatley’s Audi departure

Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll says Adrian Newey’s role within the Formula 1 team is designed to allow him to excel, amid speculation that he will relinquish his team principal title.

Already managing technical partner since joining Aston Martin last year, Newey (pictured second from left, above, with Stroll, far left) was named team principal towards the end of 2025, replacing Andy Cowell. After a challenging start to the new era of F1 regulations – in large part due to issues with the Honda power unit – recent reports have suggested Newey could hand over the team principal position to a new addition, and former Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley being linked with such a move.

Soon after Wheatley’s departure from Audi was confirmed on Friday, Stroll issued a statement that refused to discuss any additions but reaffirmed Newey’s commitment to the team.

“With the current speculation surrounding Adrian Newey’s role in our team, I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight,” Stroll said. “As executive chairman and controlling shareholder, I would like to reaffirm that Adrian Newey is my partner and an important shareholder. He is AMR’s managing technical partner, and he and I have a true partnership built on a shared vision of success for the company.

“We do things differently here, and while we don't currently adopt the traditional team principal role that you see elsewhere, it is by design. As the most successful engineer in the history of the sport, Adrian's primary focus is on the strategic and technical leadership where he excels. He is supported by a highly skilled Senior Leadership Team to deliver on all aspects of the business, both at the campus and trackside.

“We are regularly approached by senior executives of other teams who wish to join Aston Martin Aramco, but in keeping with our policy, we do not comment on rumor and speculation.”

Aston Martin currently sits at the bottom of the constructors’ championship after the opening two races of the 2026 season, having yet to finish a grand prix with either car.