New York Jets owner Woody Johnson just made a bombshell move, diving headfirst into the high-octane world of Formula One. He’s officially acquired a stake in the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team, and this isn’t some small-time investment; he’s also joining the Aston Martin board of directors as the vice chairman. This is big, folks, a serious play that could reshape how F1 connects with fans right here in the States.
Building a Global Racing Powerhouse
Johnson isn’t just throwing money around; he’s stepping into a key leadership role. His time as the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom clearly made a huge impression because he developed a “deep appreciation” for Aston Martin’s “rich history” and owner Lawrence Stroll’s “strategic vision.” Johnson even said he’s “excited to partner with him” to build an organization “capable of competing at the very highest level of the sport.” That’s high stakes ambition right there! According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Johnson will be laser-focused on the team’s commercial growth, especially here in the United States, so don’t expect him in the garage tinkering with engines. His role is all about expanding the brand and hooking more fans on the F1 thrill. He’s talking about introducing “even more fans to the excitement of Formula 1,” and that commitment to growing the US fanbase is massive for the sport.
Juggling the Jets and a New Empire
Of course, this isn’t Johnson’s first rodeo running a sports empire. He’s owned the New York Jets since way back in 2000, when he dropped $635 million for the franchise. And just last year, in 2025, he snapped up a 43 percent stake in Crystal Palace of the English Premier League for $254 million. Talk about a portfolio! The Jets even have those international marketing rights for the United Kingdom and Ireland, playing four regular season games in London. So, the guy knows how to build a global presence. But let’s be real, while he’s busy pushing Aston Martin to F1 glory and growing the sport stateside, his primary focus still has to be the Jets. That team is stuck in a brutal 15-year playoff drought and, frankly, they’re looking at another tough year in 2026. Johnson himself said he’ll keep his focus on getting them back to relevancy.
So, as Johnson gears up to rev the engine for Aston Martin in Formula 1, and pushes to connect F1 with even more fans in the US, all eyes will also be on the gridiron. Can he really juggle building a top-tier F1 team while steering the Jets out of their long-standing struggles? It’s a huge challenge, but if anyone’s got the ambition, it’s Woody Johnson. We’ll be watching how it all plays out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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