Aston Martin announces F1 stake sale but insists its future in Formula 1 remains stronger than ever

Aston Martin Lagonda has officially confirmed its decision to sell its stake in the Silverstone-based Formula 1 team, marking a strategic shift in its financial portfolio. The move is part of a broader effort to streamline the automaker's investments while securing long-term stability for both its road car division and its presence in Formula 1.

In a bid to facilitate the sale, Aston Martin has enlisted the services of the Raine Group, a prominent investment bank, to identify a suitable buyer for its 16.7% minority stake in the F1 operation. The restructuring aims to unlock financial resources that can be reinvested into its core automotive business, as well as to ensure the F1 team secures an investor who can contribute to its long-term success. As the team stated, "Raine will work closely with AMF1’s commercial chief Jeff Slack to secure a strategic investor who can add long-term value to the team and the brand."
Despite the sale, Aston Martin has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Formula 1. A new long-term licensing agreement has been signed between the F1 team and the automaker’s road car division, ensuring that the team will continue to compete under the iconic Aston Martin name. This agreement guarantees that the British racing green livery will remain a staple on the F1 grid for years to come.

Documents detailing the proposed investment transaction have shed light on Aston Martin’s evolving stake. "Since November 2023, Aston Martin has held a minority investment in AMR GP through the exercise of its primary warrant options and subscribing for reward shares it was entitled to under the initial sponsorship term," the company explained.
Furthermore, the automaker extended its sponsorship agreement in 2024, allowing it to recognize its secondary warrants in AMR GP. Leveraging the rising global popularity of Formula 1, the company now plans to sell its shares, including those issuable through secondary warrants, at a premium to their estimated book value of approximately £74 million.
This restructuring will see Lawrence Stroll, through Yew Tree Investments, increase his stake in Aston Martin Lagonda to around 33%, reflecting a seven percent rise at an estimated value of AUD $108.6 million. When combined with the proceeds from the F1 stake sale, the automaker’s balance sheet is set to receive a significant boost of nearly AUD $268 million.
“These moves demonstrate that Aston Martin’s place on the Formula 1 grid is as secure as ever,” Stroll emphasized. “AML recently re-committed to its long-term sponsorship and licensing agreement with AMF1, confirming that the legendary Aston Martin brand and its British racing green colours will compete in Formula 1 for decades to come.”
Stroll’s commitment to the F1 team has been evident since 2018, when he led a consortium to acquire the assets of Force India after its financial collapse. Under his stewardship, the team was rebranded as Racing Point before adopting the Aston Martin name in 2021. Since then, significant investments have been made, including the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at Silverstone, featuring a newly operational wind tunnel and a strengthened technical team.
As Aston Martin moves forward, the team remains focused on enhancing its competitiveness, particularly with the arrival of new technical regulations in 2026. The acquisition of renowned designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull further underscores the ambition to challenge the dominant forces in Formula 1.
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With these strategic moves, Aston Martin is going to maintain its legacy in motorsport while solidifying its financial position, ensuring that both its automotive and F1 divisions continue to thrive in the years ahead.