(Motorsport-Total.com) – The unrest in Aston Martin’s management is causing criticism: TV presenter Will Buxton warns that the “constant changes” at the Silverstone site are massively damaging the team culture, while the team struggles at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Read more Mattia Binotto on Audi weakness: We have a plan, but it can take time
The personnel carousel at Aston Martin is spinning incessantly – a dangerous course for Buxton. The Brit is convinced that the instability “does the team’s culture no good”.
Review: In 2024, Andy Cowell joined the Silverstone squad as CEO before replacing Mike Krack as team principal in January 2025. However, Cowell’s tenure at the top of the racing team did not last a year. Adrian Newey, who had been signed as managing technical partner in 2025, took on the role of team principal for the 2026 season in addition to his previous duties.
In the current structure, Cowell serves as chief strategist, while Mike Krack holds the position of head of the trackside team.
Like a 90s football club
After a difficult start to the 2026 season, rumors persist that Lawrence Stroll could once again install a new team principal. The goal: to keep Newey’s back free so that he can concentrate fully on his core tasks again. However, Aston Martin is denying these speculations at this point in time.
Read more Project leader Mattia Binotto reveals what is currently the biggest weakness at Audi
“It feels like a football club,” Buxton blustered on the podcast Up To Speed. “Like a football club that was bought in the 90s or 2000s by a Russian oligarch who just throws money at a problem and changes the manager every six months.”
Stroll’s impatience as a hindrance?
While Buxton shows understanding for the owner’s ambition, he urges patience: “I know Lawrence Stroll wants to see results. And he wants them immediately. But initiating a turnaround in Formula 1 is like turning a ship – you need that little tugboat at the front pulling you in the right direction. And that takes time. You can’t turn things around overnight.”
The expert sees the big picture in danger due to the constant restructuring: “I feel that these permanent changes every few months are not good at all for the general team culture and the long-term direction. The team has no clear focus on the direction if it tries to change it constantly. I just don’t see how that’s supposed to help anyone.”
Read more Fashion deal for Pierre Gasly: Formula 1 driver becomes Lacoste ambassador