Woody Johnson Acquires Minority Stake in Aston Martin F1 Team

Woody Johnson, the American billionaire who owns the NFL's New York Jets and holds a 43 per cent stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace, has purchased a minority stake in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. He joins the team's board as vice chairman immediately, though the exact size of his shareholding remains undisclosed.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin has framed the investment as a signal of F1's "unprecedented growth" in the United States, tapping into Johnson's deep roots in American sports and business. The move comes at a critical time for the team, which sits 10th in the 2026 Constructors' Championship after a disappointing start to its new works partnership with Honda. While Lawrence Stroll retains full control as executive chairman and majority owner with his 33 per cent stake, Johnson's appointment is aimed at unlocking commercial opportunities in North America rather than influencing sporting operations.

The details:

• Johnson's family business, Johnson & Johnson, carries an estimated net valuation of $20.5 billion, giving him substantial financial backing.
• The remaining 67 per cent of Aston Martin is divided among private equity firms, sovereign entities, and strategic investors, making Johnson the latest high-profile name in a crowded ownership structure.
• On track, Aston Martin has endured a painful 2026 campaign. The team started development of its 2026 chassis late, while Honda's new power unit has fallen short of performance targets under the revised regulations.
• The Silverstone squad introduced an upgrade package in Hungary and is set to receive a Honda engine upgrade at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix as it searches for a turnaround.

What's next:

Johnson's arrival is unlikely to alter the day-to-day running of the team, with Stroll maintaining his controlling shareholder status. The immediate priority remains clawing back performance on track. Whether the new investment and Honda's upcoming engine step can lift Aston Martin out of the basement of the Constructors' Championship will be watched closely starting at Zandvoort.