The Aston Martin Formula 1 team is approaching a valuation exceeding £2 billion following plans by Aston Martin Lagonda to sell its minority shareholding in the racing operation. This stake sale is scheduled for the third quarter of this year and aims to raise £110 million, marking a pivotal change in the team’s ownership structure.

Aston Martin Lagonda announced the intention to increase its liquidity by offloading part of its F1 interests, while maintaining a long-term branding agreement that will preserve the team’s Aston Martin identity on the Formula 1 grid despite the company stepping back from direct ownership.

Ownership Transition and Increased Investment from Lawrence Stroll’s Consortium

The transaction is part of a broader strategy involving Yew Tree Investments, the consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, which plans to boost its stake in Aston Martin’s road car business from 27.67 percent to 33 percent. Stroll, who acquired the Silverstone-based racing team during the 2018 season through purchasing the assets of the former Force India outfit, has overseen the rebranding from Force India to Racing Point and subsequently to Aston Martin in 2021.

Under Stroll’s leadership, the team has expanded its facilities at Silverstone, where it has operated since entering Formula 1 in 1991. Investments have included a new state-of-the-art factory and infrastructure improvements such as an advanced wind tunnel, alongside an aggressive recruitment campaign to strengthen its technical and operational capabilities.

Technical Expansion and Strategic Partnerships Supporting Future Growth

Significant signings have underlined Aston Martin’s ambition, most notably the addition of Adrian Newey, who joined as managing technical partner and part-owner earlier this year. Newey’s involvement is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s development, particularly as Aston Martin prepares to become the factory Honda team starting from the 2026 season, with Honda shifting its focus from Red Bull to Aston Martin.

Despite Aston Martin Lagonda’s departure as a minority owner, the Formula 1 team will continue its strong commercial ties with the car company, ensuring brand continuity on the racetrack. This arrangement highlights the unique ownership model where the racing group and road car business remain closely linked through Stroll’s common ownership interests.

Surge in Team Valuation Reflects Growing Status in Formula 1

The impending transaction has driven a marked increase in the Aston Martin F1 team’s market value. Bloomberg estimates the team’s worth at £2.4 billion, a sharp rise from previous valuations. Last November, Blackbook Motorsport valued the team at £1.56 billion, while Forbes had appraised it at £1.04 billion in mid-2023. This dramatic appreciation underscores the growing commercial and competitive value of the squad.

Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, has noted that while the deal remains subject to completion, the sale will not adversely affect the team’s operations or competitive ambitions.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Aston Martin’s Formula 1 Future

The sale and valuation highlight the evolving financial landscape of Formula 1, where increased investment and strategic partnerships are reshaping teams’ prospects. Aston Martin’s transition from minority stakeholder to a commercial partner marks a new phase, supported by Stroll’s ongoing commitment and significant technical upgrades.

The solidified collaboration with Honda from 2026 onward, combined with the expertise of personnel like Adrian Newey, positions the team to enhance its competitiveness in the coming seasons. As the team advances, maintaining the Aston Martin brand in Formula 1 will remain a key aspect of its identity despite the changes behind the scenes.