TV expert Will Buxton warns of a cultural collapse at Aston Martin – the constant personnel carousel at management level jeopardizes long-term success
The unrest at Aston Martin’s management level is causing criticism: TV presenter Will Buxton warns that the “constant change” at the Silverstone site is massively damaging the team culture as the team stumbles at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The personnel carousel at Aston Martin is constantly turning – a dangerous course for Buxton. The Briton is convinced that the instability is “not doing the team’s culture any good”.
Looking back: In 2024, Andy Cowell joined the Silverstone-based squad as Managing Director before replacing Mike Krack as Team Principal in January 2025. However, Cowell’s tenure at the helm of the racing team did not last a year. Adrian Newey, who had been hired as Managing Technical Partner in 2025, took on the role of Team Principal for the 2026 season in addition to his existing duties.
In the current structure, Cowell acts as Chief Strategist, while Mike Krack holds the position of Head of the Track Team.
Like a soccer club of the 90s
After a difficult start to the 2026 season, there are now persistent rumors that Lawrence Stroll could once again install a new team principal. The aim: to keep Newey’s back free so that he can concentrate fully on his core tasks again. However, Aston Martin denies this speculation at this time.
“It feels like a soccer club,” Buxton rumbled on the Up To Speed podcast. “Like a soccer club that was bought in the 90s or 2000s by a Russian oligarch who just throws money at a problem and changes the coach every six months.”
Stroll’s impatience as a brake?
Buxton shows understanding for the owner’s ambition, but urges patience: “I know that Lawrence Stroll wants to see results. And he wants them now. But turning Formula 1 around is like turning a ship around – you need that little tug at the front to pull you in the right direction. And that takes time. You can’t turn things around overnight.”
The expert believes that the constant restructuring puts the big picture at risk: “I have the feeling that these permanent changes every few months are not at all good for the general team culture and the long-term direction. The team doesn’t have a clear focus on direction when it’s constantly trying to change it. I just don’t see how that helps anyone.”
