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US Billionaire Robert Johnson Buys Minority Stake in Aston Martin F1
Robert Wood Johnson, known for his ownership of the NFL's New York Jets, has acquired a non-controlling share in the Formula 1 team and will serve as vice chairman on its board.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-20T15:51:01.000Z - 2 min read
US billionaire Robert Wood Johnson has completed the acquisition of a minority stake in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. The prominent businessman, known in sporting circles for his ownership of the NFL's New York Jets, will also assume a position on the team's board of directors as vice chairman.
Johnson, 79, brings a wealth of experience from professional sports ownership, having purchased the New York Jets in 2000. Last year, he further expanded his sporting portfolio by acquiring a significant stake in English Premier League football club Crystal Palace. His family's background is rooted in the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson.
His new role as vice chairman on the Aston Martin board will be non-executive, meaning he will not be involved in the day-to-day management of the Formula 1 operation. Johnson previously served as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021, a period during which he developed an appreciation for the Aston Martin brand.
Reflecting on his investment, Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the team's direction. He cited a deep appreciation for Aston Martin's heritage and commended Lawrence Stroll’s strategic vision. Johnson aims to partner with Stroll to foster the team's continuous development, with an ultimate goal of competing at the highest echelons of Formula 1.
A key aspect of Johnson's ambition also involves expanding the sport's footprint in the United States. He highlighted a shared commitment with Aston Martin to grow the fanbase in America, introducing more spectators to the excitement of Formula 1, a market that has seen significant growth in recent years.
Lawrence Stroll, the executive chairman of Aston Martin, extended a warm welcome to Johnson. Stroll emphasized that Johnson's experience, passion, and investment will significantly strengthen the team as it navigates its next phase of competitive evolution. He noted Johnson's understanding of the brand, coupled with his dedication to innovation and commercial prospects, makes him an ideal partner for the team's future aspirations.
The precise percentage of Johnson's newly acquired stake has not been publicly disclosed. Aston Martin's ownership structure currently includes Stroll’s Yew Tree Consortium holding a 33% stake, with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) owning 20%. Other stakeholders include Ernesto Bertarelli, Geely, Mercedes, and the Lucid Group. This latest investment arrives during what has been described as a challenging 2026 season for the Silverstone-based outfit.