Aston Martin welcomes Robert Wood Johnson into its capital. The former United States ambassador to the United Kingdom also becomes vice-president of the team.
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Aston Martin has announced the arrival of a new major investor in its Formula 1 project. Robert Wood Johnson, heir to the Johnson & Johnson empire and owner of the New York Jets in the NFL, has acquired a minority stake in the Silverstone-based team.
Nicknamed “Woody,” the American businessman already holds significant interests in the sports world. He notably acquired a 43% stake in the English club Crystal Palace in 2025.
Johnson also served as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom between 2017 and 2021, after being appointed by Donald Trump. As part of his investment in Aston Martin, he immediately joins the board of directors as vice-president.
Lawrence Stroll retains control of Aston Martin
However, this arrival will not disrupt the daily management of the team. Johnson will not hold any operational role, and Lawrence Stroll will retain his position as executive chairman as well as his status as controlling shareholder.
The investment is rather intended to allow Aston Martin to strengthen its commercial ambitions and support the long-term development of the F1 project.
“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,” said Stroll.
The Canadian particularly believes that Johnson’s experience in business and sports is an asset for the team.
“His deep appreciation of our brand, combined with his commitment to innovation and business opportunities, makes him an ideal partner for our future.”
Aston Martin wants to accelerate its development in the United States
One of the main objectives of this operation concerns the American market, which has become strategic for Formula 1 in recent years. The championship now features three Grands Prix in the United States, held in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.
Aston Martin wants to take advantage of this growth to strengthen its commercial presence across the Atlantic. Johnson’s numerous connections in American sports, notably through the New York Jets, could facilitate the conclusion of new partnerships.
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His experience in different sports fields could also pave the way for collaborations between Aston Martin and other organizations.
The amount invested by Johnson, as well as the exact percentage of his stake in the team, has not been disclosed.
Johnson wants to help Aston Martin aim for the top
The American billionaire explained that his time in the United Kingdom as ambassador notably allowed him to develop a particular interest in Aston Martin and its history.
“During my tenure as United States 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 explained.
The new investor assures that he shares Stroll’s ambitions, whose goal remains to transform Aston Martin into a team capable of regularly fighting at the front.
“I am excited to partner with him and contribute to the ongoing development of the team, with the ambition to build an organization capable of competing at the highest level of this sport.”
A reinforcement as Aston Martin goes through a difficult season
However, this arrival comes in a challenging sporting context. After the first eleven rounds of the 2026 season, Aston Martin occupies tenth place in the constructors’ championship with only one point scored.
The partnership with Honda for the new regulations has so far not produced the expected results, although the upgrades introduced before the summer break have offered some encouraging signs.
Johnson’s investment is therefore primarily part of a long-term vision. Beyond the pursuit of on-track performance, Aston Martin wants to continue developing its structure and commercial appeal.
“We also share the ambition to grow the fan community in the United States and to introduce the excitement of Formula 1 to even more people,” concludes Johnson.
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