On Sunday, Aston Martin unveiled images of their latest race car, set to hit the tarmac in Bahrain for a quick test on Monday. This is just a prelude to the official three-day Formula 1 pre-season testing starting Wednesday. Fans are eagerly awaiting the season’s kickoff at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, running from March 14-16.
Aston Martin’s technical team, led by Cowell, has been working tirelessly to refine their aerodynamic design, taking it further than ever before as they finalize the car’s initial specifications. This strategic delay allowed their aero team some valuable extra weeks in the wind tunnel. “We’re excited to see how the track results match up with our campus measurements,” Cowell shared.
Since Cowell, the former chief of Mercedes engines, took over as team principal, the focus has been on addressing past shortcomings. Reflecting on last season’s challenges, he pinpointed the discrepancy between virtual and wind tunnel tests versus the on-track performance as a key issue.
“We’ve dissected last year’s car thoroughly,” Cowell explained. “Over the winter, we aimed to develop a car that’s stable and predictable through corners. This should enhance our race performance significantly.”
For Aston Martin, the upcoming season is a critical one. “It’s vital that we confirm we’ve understood and corrected our previous missteps,” Cowell emphasized. The car they’ll present in Melbourne, along with subsequent upgrades throughout the year, will be telling indicators.
Ensuring that their tools and strategies align effectively is crucial, especially as they plan for the changes anticipated in 2026 when new engines and aerodynamic regulations come into play.
From next season, Aston Martin plans to transition from using Mercedes engines to becoming Honda’s factory team. The team hopes that with Newey coming on board as a managing technical partner in time to influence the 2026 design, they’ll see a substantial leap in their grid positioning.
Aston Martin has retained the talent of Fernando Alonso, under contract through 2026, when he’ll be 45, alongside his teammate Lance Stroll, marking their third season together. Commenting on Alonso, Cowell said, “Fernando continues to be an extraordinary competitor. His dedication and drive are remarkable.”
The team considers themselves fortunate to have both drivers secured on long-term contracts. “Our foremost challenge is delivering a fast car that allows both Fernando and Lance to excel,” Cowell noted.
Age, Cowell insists, is just a number for Alonso, who remains a passionate and valued member of the team. “Fernando’s insights and feedback are invaluable. His ability to prioritize key improvements is something we all admire,” Cowell remarked.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, juggling priorities is crucial, and Alonso’s knack for simplifying complex problems into actionable solutions has proven to be an immense asset for Aston Martin.
