Aston Martin F1 has announced that billionaire Robert Wood Johnson has acquired a strategic minority stake in the team and will join its Board of Directors as vice-chairman with immediate effect. The American businessman, better known as Woody Johnson, is a former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, owner of the NFL’s New York Jets and an investor in Premier League club Crystal Palace.
The significant corporate development comes as the Silverstone-based team prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which takes place from Friday to Sunday. Away from the track, however, Aston Martin has continued to strengthen the business structure surrounding its Formula 1 operation.
Aston Martin confirms Robert Wood Johnson minority investment
Aston Martin confirmed the deal in an official announcement, revealing that Robert Wood Johnson has acquired a strategic minority shareholding and will immediately take up a position on the company’s board as vice-chairman.
Robert Wood Johnson served as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021, during Donald Trump’s first term as US president. He is also the owner of the New York Jets, holds a major stake in Crystal Palace and is an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune.
The investment adds another high-profile figure from the international sports industry to Aston Martin’s ownership structure. It also arrives ahead of a busy weekend at Zandvoort, where teams face another demanding challenge covered in this 2026 Dutch Grand Prix preview.
Aston Martin said: “Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team has announced today that Robert Wood Johnson, former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has acquired a strategic minority stake in the Company and, with immediate effect, will join the Board of Directors as Vice Chairman.
“Johnson’s proven track record and extensive experience investing in sports franchises, together with his considerable network of influential relationships, make him an ideal partner for Aston Martin Aramco. With business interests across both the NFL and the English Premier League, his involvement with the Team will unlock valuable commercial synergies and opportunities for collaboration across the global sports landscape.
“The investment further demonstrates the strong appeal and positive momentum of the Team at a time of unprecedented growth for Formula One, particularly in the United States.
“Johnson’s focus will be to support the Team’s commercial growth, especially in the United States, but he will not undertake any day-to-day management duties. As Executive Chairman and Controlling Shareholder, Lawrence Stroll will continue to manage and control the Company.”
Woody Johnson to focus on Aston Martin’s commercial growth
The structure of the deal means Robert Wood Johnson will have a strategic role rather than becoming involved in the daily running of the Formula 1 team. His experience across American football and English football is expected to be particularly valuable as Aston Martin seeks to expand its commercial presence, especially in the United States.
Lawrence Stroll will remain Aston Martin F1’s executive chairman and controlling shareholder, retaining responsibility for the management and control of the company.
“I am extremely happy to welcome Woody to the Aston Martin family,” Lawrence Stroll said. “His experience, passion and investment further strengthen our position as we enter the next phase of our competitive journey.”
“His deep appreciation for our brand, combined with his commitment to innovation and commercial opportunity, makes him an ideal partner as we look to the future.”
Robert Wood Johnson outlines Aston Martin F1 ambition
Robert Wood Johnson said his period serving as US Ambassador in Britain helped develop his interest in Aston Martin and his admiration for Lawrence Stroll’s plans for the organisation.
“During my time as US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I developed a deep appreciation for Aston Martin’s rich history, as well as Lawrence Stroll’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit,” Robert Wood Johnson said.
“I am excited to partner with him and contribute to the continued development of the Team, with the ambition of building an organisation capable of competing at the very highest level of the sport.
“We also share a commitment to growing the fanbase in the United States and introducing even more fans to the excitement of Formula One.”
The deal therefore leaves Lawrence Stroll firmly in control of Aston Martin’s Formula 1 operation while adding an investor with extensive experience in major sports franchises and strong connections in the US market. For Robert Wood Johnson, it represents a new involvement in Formula 1 as Aston Martin continues both its competitive and commercial development.
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