Aston Martin F1 sells minor stake to billionaire Woody Johnson

Aston Martin F1 has added a high-profile new investor to its rostrum of shareholders, with American billionaire businessman Robert Wood Johnson taking a minority stake in the Silverstone-based team and joining its board as vice chairman.

The 79-year-old brings an eye-catching sporting portfolio to the Aston Martin project. An heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, Johnson owns the NFL’s New York Jets and also holds a major stake in Premier League UK football club Crystal Palace.

His arrival represents another significant move by team owner Lawrence Stroll to expand Aston Martin’s commercial footprint, particularly across the lucrative US market, while the team stressed that Johnson will have no involvement in its day-to-day management.

From ambassador to Aston Martin insider

Johnson is no stranger to Britain or its sporting scene. Under President Donald Trump’s first administration, he served as US ambassador to the UK from 2017 to 2021 and has developed a strong appreciation for Aston Martin’s heritage during his time across the Atlantic.

Now, he is putting his money behind the F1 operation as it targets a breakthrough under Stroll’s ownership.

"During my time as US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I have developed a deep appreciation for Aston Martin's rich history, as well as Lawrence Stroll’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit," 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 1."

Johnson’s arrival also gives Aston Martin another influential figure with experience at the highest level of professional sport.

His involvement with the Jets and Crystal Palace means he is already familiar with the commercial demands and global reach required to turn sporting brands into major international properties.

Stroll welcomes ‘Woody’ to the team

For Stroll, the new partnership is another piece of the puzzle as Aston Martin continues its transformation into a serious F1 contender.

The team has invested heavily in its Silverstone infrastructure and technical operation, while the arrival of Adrian Newey and Honda’s works partnership have underlined the scale of its ambitions.

Stroll believes Johnson can now add another dimension to that 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 the Canadian.

"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.”

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It’s unclear if Johnson has injected fresh funds into Aston Martin F1 or if his shares were acquired from an existing shareholder.

But with Johnson now sitting alongside Stroll at the top table, the team’s ambitions are gaining another powerful voice – and plenty of heavyweight connections on the other side of the Atlantic.

Team Silverstone’s transformation is clearly about more than what happens on the track.

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