Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull as team principal in July before formally leaving in September after agreeing a severance deal

Christian Horner will have to wait a little longer before he makes his return to Formula One. The former Red Bull team principal, who was sacked in July, was heavily linked with a move to Aston Martin before the team announced major changes to its leadership structure ahead of the 2026 season.

In an official statement, the team have announced that from next year Andy Cowell will take on a new role as chief strategy officer, and Adrian Newey will become the team principal.

The news effectively means that Aston Martin has closed the door on Horner returning to F1 with them for the foreseeable future. Aston Martin has described the changes as ‘strategic’ as they look to ensure they’re ‘well prepared to play to their collective strengths’.

They also noted the new technical regulations and the addition of another team on the grid as a factor in the decision. Cowell will relinquish his role as CEO and Team Principal after 14 months at the helm.

Newey, who’s widely regarded as Formula One’s leading car designer, will take on the role of team principal for the very first time in his career. He said: “Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our Team.

“I’m looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026, where we will face an entirely new position with Aston Martin now a works team combined with the considerable challenge faced by the new regulations.

“Andy’s new role, focusing on the integration of the new PU with our three key partners, will be pivotal in this journey.”

Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll hopes Adrian Newey can turn his team into F1 champions (
Image:
PA)
Cowell, meanwhile, said: “Having implemented much-needed structural changes as we transition to a full works team and set the foundations for Adrian and the wider organisation, it is an appropriate time for me to take a different role as Chief Strategy Officer.

“In this role, I will help to optimise the technical partnership between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis.”

From next season, Cowell will report to Lawrence Stroll, who shall continue to lead the business aspect of Aston Martin. The executive chairman added: “Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year.

“He’s focused on building a world-class team and getting them to work well together, as well as fostering a culture that puts the race car back at the heart of what we do. This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the Team.

“We all look forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity as Chief Strategy Officer. I’m also pleased that Adrian Newey will step into the Team Principal role, which will enable him to make full use of his creative and technical expertise.

“Both these changes will ensure the Team is best placed to play to their collective strengths.”

Horner was tipped to replace Andy Cowell as Aston Martin team principal but now must reassess (
Image:
NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Horner was heavily linked with the team principal role at Aston Martin. Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the racing team told the BBC: “The team will not be engaging in rumour or speculation. The focus is on maximising performance in the remaining races and preparing for 2026.”

Newey and Horner were said to have a difficult relationship towards the end of their time together at Red Bull, however, reports this week claimed the legendary car designer would be open to working with him again.

That now seems to be out of the question after Aston Martin’s announcement. Horner, who has also been linked with Alpine, must now reasses his options, having been out of work since his departure from Red Bull earlier this season.