Aston Martin F1, still evolving, faces key hurdles as it builds for the future. Cowell reveals the growing team’s biggest challenges ahead.
Aston Martin F1 will likely shift its focus quickly to the 2026 project with the introduction of new technical regulations for chassis and engines. Team director Andy Cowell reveals how the Silverstone structure has already begun looking ahead to 2026.
“This is a very important topic for all ten teams,” Cowell stated. “For us, some areas of our operation are already 100% focused on 2026. The conceptual engineering groups are concentrating on 2026 because, from their perspective, 2025 is already done.”
“Throughout the year, each department will transition from 2025 to 2026, with most engineers here, including the race team, being the last to move on to the next stage. And there are certain wind tunnel and CFD activity criteria that are more closely monitored by the FIA, requiring us to make decisions on a weekly basis.”
He acknowledges that there is little hope the early 2025 results will be strong enough for the team to focus on them: “I suppose it’s the same for all ten teams. If you secure a one-two finish in the first race, you’ll be chasing 23 more to try to win the championship. And everything depends on your position in the hierarchy, on what you do.”
Cowell explains that Aston Martin is in a different position compared to several teams, as it is still in the early stages of its growth: “But everyone’s growth is slightly different. Each team is in a slightly different position. As for us, compared to Ferrari, we are a young team still growing.”
“Yes, we have a fantastic new factory. We have excellent infrastructure. But we are still learning how to bring it all together. And it is crucial for us that the quality of the experiments we conduct within this infrastructure is flawless. That is one of our top priorities.”
The situation will be entirely different in terms of the relationship with the engine supplier next year, as Aston Martin will part ways with Mercedes and become Honda’s works team.
“I think our situation for next year is as follows: we are moving from being a customer team with the Mercedes power unit to a works team with Honda, using Aramco fuels and Valvoline lubricants, while developing our own gearbox and rear suspension, etc.”
“This is a step forward for us. The list of tasks ahead over the next 12 months is full of challenges. We are striving for strong results across all areas. But we will continue to improve.”
“What I am really trying to emphasize is that we are evaluating every part of the company, identifying what we can do to improve. Then, when we outline the positions to be filled, it’s about finding the fastest way to achieve our goals.”
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