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Aston Martin has completed the sale of a minority stake to American billionaire Woody Johnson ahead of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, adding a prominent figure from US sports to the Silverstone-based teamâs ownership structure.
The outfit has competed in its current Aston Martin identity since the 2021 season. Lawrence Stroll remains the majority owner, with his stake understood to be about 33%, while other investors hold additional minority positions. The exact terms of Johnsonâs investment have not been disclosed, although his share is assumed to be around 15%.
Johnson, heir to the $20.5 billion Johnson & Johnson empire, brings substantial experience in professional sports. He currently owns the NFLâs New York Jets and will join Aston Martinâs Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. The team stressed, however, that he will not be involved in its day-to-day racing operations.
Stroll will continue to lead Aston Martinâs Formula 1 programme, ensuring that the teamâs competitive direction remains under its existing management while the ownership group broadens.
Aston Martin described the transaction as a strategic investment made âat a time of unprecedented growthâ for Formula 1, particularly in the United States. Johnsonâs arrival could create new opportunities in US sports, marketing and sponsorship, areas that align with the teamâs stated ambition to expand its American fanbase.
His previous role as US ambassador to the UK under Donald Trumpâs administration also gives him familiarity with the relationship between the two countries and with the sports culture across the Atlantic.
âDuring my time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I have developed a deep appreciation for Aston Martinâs rich history, as well as Lawrence Strollâs strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit,â Johnson said in an Aston Martin press release. âI 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.â
He added that the partnership shared a commitment to growing the fanbase in the United States and introducing more people to Formula 1.
Stroll welcomed Johnsonâs experience, passion and investment, saying they further strengthened the team as it entered the next phase of its competitive journey.
On track, Aston Martin will aim to carry momentum from the promising results produced by its Hungarian Grand Prix upgrade package. The team heads to Zandvoort with its latest developments in focus; Honda has also revealed Aston Martinâs Spec 2 power unit ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.