BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Adrian Newey will take over as Aston Martin's Formula 1 team principal from the start of next year in a major restructuring at the Silverstone-based outfit.

The move ends Andy Cowell's 13-month spell in charge. The 56-year-old will shift into a new position as chief strategy officer, focusing on Aston Martin's integration with its 2026 power-unit partner Honda.

Newey, 66, joined the team in March after having left Red Bull last year. He initially signed a five-year contract as managing technical partner and could earn up to 30 million pounds per year including bonuses. The team said the leadership change would allow both figures to focus on their core strengths.

The reshuffle follows what insiders described as disagreements between Newey and Cowell over the technical direction of the team and development of its 2026 car.

Newey has already pushed through significant changes, including departures of senior aerodynamic personnel, and has been vocal about areas he believes need improvement. Earlier this season he said Aston Martin's simulation tools were "weak" and below the standard required to fight at the front.

Newey has designed cars for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull that have won a combined 12 Drivers' Championships and 13 Constructors' titles. This will be his first role as a team principal, and he becomes Aston Martin's fourth boss in as many years.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll said the decision had been reached collaboratively. "Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year," Stroll said.

"He's focused on building a world-class team and fostering a culture that puts the race car back at the heart of what we do. This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the team."

Stroll said moving Newey into his new role enables the team to fully utilize his "creative and technical expertise".

Newey said the expanded responsibilities come at a pivotal moment as Aston Martin prepares to become a works team in 2026 under the new regulations. "Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our team," he said. "I'm looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026."

Aston Martin currently sits eighth of ten teams in F1's 2025 Constructors' table, and has not scored a podium finish since 2023. ■