Aston Martin reportedly set to lose long-serving performance director Tom McCullough

Aston Martin faces another senior departure

Aston Martin is reportedly set to lose Tom McCullough, the team’s performance director for 13 years, with PlanetF1.com reporting that he plans to leave at the end of 2026.

His tenure has therefore covered three identities for the same Silverstone-based operation, making him one of the longest-serving figures in its modern Formula 1 structure.

Role changed by Aston Martin’s restructuring

As a result, McCullough’s focus moved away from Aston Martin’s Formula 1 operation and towards Performance Technologies. His brief centred on expanding the team’s activities into other racing categories, a direction that has remained his priority for the last 20 months.

Although he remains performance director in title, the reported departure would bring an end to his 13-year association with the organisation. Aston Martin has also continued to reshape its Formula 1 leadership, with Adrian Newey moving from his initial position to become team principal on an interim basis following Cowell’s departure. The latest changes come as the team’s wider project continues to draw attention, including its work away from the trackside Formula 1 structure.

Wheatley linked with future leadership role

Reports have suggested that Jonathan Wheatley could take on the team principal role after leaving Audi, although confirmation is not expected until his exit from the German team.

McCullough, meanwhile, would enter the market with significant experience. Before joining Aston Martin, he spent a decade with Williams, followed by 13 years with the Silverstone team. If he wants to remain on the Formula 1 grid, that background is likely to make him a valuable option for other teams.

His reported exit would mark the latest stage in Aston Martin’s continuing organisational transition, while also ending one of the longest-running senior associations within the team’s recent history. For more on Aston Martin’s evolving leadership picture, read our report on Adrian Newey’s confidence that the team can retain Fernando Alonso for 2027.