Jets' Johnson buys stake in Aston Martin F1 team

New York Jets chairman Woody Johnson has acquired a minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One racing team and will join the company's board of directors as vice chairman, it was announced Thursday. Johnson will focus on the team's commercial growth, especially in the U.S., but won't undertake any day-to-day management duties, according to Aston Martin. Johnson, 79, who purchased the Jets for $635 million in 2000, purchased a 43% stake in Crystal Palace of the English Premier League in 2025 for a reported $254 million. "During my time as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, I have developed a deep appreciation for Aston Martin's rich history, as well as (executive chairman) Lawrence Stroll's strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit," Johnson said in a statement. Johnson said he will partner with Stroll with the "ambition of building an organization capable of competing at the very highest level of the sport." He also said he's committed to growing the Formula One fan base in the United States. As part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, the Jets hold international marketing rights for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Jets have played four regular-season games in London. Johnson is one of the NFL's longest-tenured owners. Under his stewardship, the Jets have made the playoffs six times, but they're currently in a 15-year drought -- the longest active slump in North American sports.