New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has acquired a minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team, adding a major motorsport asset to his growing sports investment portfolio and giving the British team an experienced US-based sports investor as it targets further commercial expansion in America.
The transaction sees Johnson joining Aston Martin’s board of directors as Vice Chairman with immediate effect. The team has not disclosed the size of Johnson’s stake, the financial terms of the transaction or the identity of the seller. Lawrence Stroll will remain the team’s controlling shareholder and Executive Chairman, while Johnson will have no involvement in day-to-day management.
Johnson’s primary focus will be supporting Aston Martin’s commercial growth, particularly in the United States. His experience as owner of the NFL’s New York Jets, together with his extensive corporate and sports network, provides the team with additional opportunities to develop sponsorship, hospitality and business relationships in one of Formula One’s most important growth markets.
Lawrence Stroll said, “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. 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.”
Woody Johnson added, “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 Stroll’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit. 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.”
The investment also expands Johnson’s presence across global sport. Alongside his ownership of the Jets, he holds a significant stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace, giving him exposure across American football, European football and Formula One.
For Aston Martin, the deal represents more than a change in its shareholder base. Johnson’s arrival strengthens the team’s commercial capabilities in the US at a time when Formula One continues to deepen its American footprint. His appointment also reinforces the growing appeal of F1 teams as investment platforms combining global media exposure, sponsorship, luxury branding and international fan growth.
The partnership positions Johnson as another influential American investor using sport to build exposure across multiple global properties, while giving Aston Martin an additional route into the increasingly valuable US sports and commercial market.
