(Motorsport-Total.com) – The American billionaire Robert Wood Johnson, known as “Woody,” is acquiring a minority stake in the Formula 1 team Aston Martin. As the team announced, the 79-year-old businessman will also join the supervisory board of the Silverstone-based team as Vice Chairman.
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With the appointment of the prominent investor, team owner Lawrence Stroll primarily aims to further drive commercial expansion and brand presence in the extremely important US market for the pinnacle class.
Although Johnson will take on a key role in the strategic and commercial development going forward, Aston Martin explicitly states that the American will not be involved in the team’s day-to-day operations.
The new investor brings extensive experience from the global sports and business world to Silverstone. Johnson is heir to the American pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and has been active as a sports team owner for many years. Among other things, he owns the franchise of the New York Jets from the National Football League (NFL).
Just last year, he expanded his portfolio in international top-level sports by acquiring a significant stake in the English Premier League football club Crystal Palace.
In addition to his business activities, Johnson is also well connected politically. He has long been considered an influential major donor to US President Donald Trump. After Trump’s first election in 2016, Trump appointed him to diplomatic service: between 2017 and 2021, Johnson represented the United States as the official ambassador to the United Kingdom.
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“During my time as US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I developed a deep appreciation for Aston Martin’s rich history as well as for Lawrence Stroll’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit,” Johnson explains about his entry into the Formula 1 team.
He looks forward to the collaboration with great anticipation: “I am very excited to team up with him and contribute to the ongoing development of the team – with the ambition to build an organization capable of competing at the very highest level of the sport. We also share a common commitment to growing the fan base in the United States and bringing even more fans into the fascination of Formula 1.”
Team owner Lawrence Stroll also welcomes the high-profile new addition to the leadership: “I am extremely happy to welcome Woody to the Aston Martin family. His experience, passion, and investment further strengthen our position as we enter the next phase of our competitive journey.”
The Canadian businessman emphasizes the strategic importance of the collaboration for the future of the team: “His deep appreciation for our brand, combined with his commitment to innovation and commercial opportunities, makes him the ideal partner as we look ahead.”
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