Aston Martin signing one F1 driver is now ‘more realistic’ after making Adrian Newey team principal

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Adrian Newey will replace Andy Cowell as the new team principal of Aston Martin from 2026 yet the changes may not stop, as their driver line-up is also under consideration.

The Silverstone squad sprung a surprise this Wednesday by announcing that Newey will now add the role of team principal to his decorated CV. Newey joined Aston Martin this March as their managing technical partner, but he will now combine the duties from the start of 2026.

Cowell had only replaced Mike Krack as the team principal of Aston Martin this January, too, having initially joined the outfit last October as their CEO. He will now vacate both positions, with the 56-year-old due to adopt the role of chief strategy officer from the 2026 F1 season.

Aston Martin are also looking further into the future, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both currently set to be out of contract at the end of 2026. Alonso last signed fresh terms in April 2024 and Stroll extended his stay last June at the team his father Lawrence Stroll owns.

Aston Martin signing Charles Leclerc for 2027 is now ‘more realistic’ with Adrian Newey as team principal

Neither Alonso nor Stroll is certain to sign a new contract with Aston Martin beyond 2026. It is also possible that the Spaniard and Canadian may both leave at the end of next year, after Alonso revealed that he might retire from F1 in 2026 if Aston Martin have a competitive car.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Aston Martin F1 team principal Adrian Newey

And Aston Martin naming Newey as their team principal from 2026 has now made it ‘more realistic than previously thought’ that Ferrari star Charles Leclerc could move to Silverstone in 2027. That is according to F1-Insider, which reports the ‘wild fantasy’ might become real.

There are ‘increasing indications’ that Leclerc will consider leaving Ferrari at the end of next year if they fail to succeed under the 2026 F1 regulations. Aston Martin’s leadership change has also occurred at a time of ‘growing dissatisfaction’ at Ferrari that may see Leclerc leave.

Aston Martin intend to focus on their 2027 driver line-up after naming Newey as their team principal as two-time champion Alonso will be 45 next July. Stroll has also been considering leaving F1 ‘for years’, so the doors at Aston Martin might swing open for Leclerc to join soon.

Charles Leclerc can break out of his Ferrari contract after the 2026 F1 season

Reports had already suggested that Leclerc has received an offer to join Aston Martin, likely from the 2027 campaign, before the Silverstone outfit named Newey as their team principal for 2026. Aston Martin are also not thought to be the only F1 team to make Leclerc an offer.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

The 28-year-old is technically under contract in Maranello through 2029, having signed new terms with the pride of Italy in January 2024. Yet Leclerc can leave Ferrari for free after 2026 after including a release clause in his deal, which he can also trigger if he wins the 2026 title.

Aston Martin are seemingly keen to put themselves at the front of any queue to sign Leclerc for 2027, should he lose patience in Ferrari’s ability to win an F1 championship. It is also said that Aston Martin bosses have repeatedly contacted Leclerc’s manager to explore his future.