American billionaire Robert Wood Johnson has acquired a minority share in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, subsequently taking on the role of vice chairman on the board of directors.
As an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, Johnson also possesses ownership of the NFL’s New York Jets and secured a significant share in Premier League club Crystal Palace last year.
A prominent, long-standing contributor to Donald Trump, the 79-year-old served as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021 during the Trump presidency.
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has recruited Johnson to bolster the commercial expansion of the Silverstone-based outfit within the United States, a critical region for the sport. However, the organization clarified that Johnson will have no role in the day-to-day operations of the team.
Johnson remarked, “While serving as the American Ambassador to the UK, I grew to deeply respect the storied legacy of Aston Martin, along with Lawrence Stroll’s forward-thinking approach and business acumen.”
“I look forward to collaborating with him to support the ongoing evolution of the squad, aiming to establish a franchise that can contend at the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Lance Stroll of Aston Martin Racing
Image credit: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
“We are also united in our goal to expand the American audience and bring the thrill of Formula 1 to a wider public.”
Stroll noted, “It is a pleasure to welcome Woody to the Aston Martin family. His background, enthusiasm, and financial backing will solidify our standing as we transition into this next chapter of our competitive journey.
“His genuine admiration for our identity, paired with his focus on creative development and business prospects, positions him as a perfect collaborator for our future endeavors.”
