Aston Martin has confirmed a major leadership restructure, with Adrian Newey replacing Andy Cowell as team principal for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Rumours in recent days suggested Cowell would step aside, with names such as Christian Horner and Andreas Seidl linked to the position. The team has now clarified that Newey and Cowell will divide responsibilities as part of Aston Martin’s preparations for its upcoming works era.

Newey will lead technical development, oversee trackside operations, and take on the role of team principal, whereas Cowell, whose background is in engine and power unit leadership, will move into the position of Chief Strategy Officer, focusing on strengthening partnerships with Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline. Team owner Lawrence Stroll will continue directing the business operations of the F1 programme.

Williams team principal James Vowles will return to active competition by racing in the Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina. Vowles will drive a McLaren 720S GT3 for Garage 59, joining Alexander West, Mark Sansom and Marco Pulcini for the endurance event.

The race takes place on Sunday, 14 December, one week after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale. Vowles said he relishes the chance to wear a race helmet again and described Garage 59 as a team he knows well from their 2022 Asian Le Mans Series collaboration, where he scored two points.

Garage 59 principal Andrew Kirkaldy said the team enjoyed working with Vowles previously and is pleased to have him back. The event marks Vowles’ first competitive race since becoming Williams boss in 2023.

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