Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal at Aston Martin, explains how resources are being allocated. The Silverstone-based operation wants to have a solid campaign with the newly constructed AMR25, but there is already an emphasis on 2026.
For front-running teams, such as Ferrari and McLaren, making the transition from 2025 and 2026 could be a tricky choice. Teams will always be reluctant to abandon development during a title battle, especially since the regulation changes are a complete unknown.
At Aston Martin, this dilemma is unlikely to be a factor – as Andy Cowell explains.
Aston Martin divert engineering focus to 2026 concept
Understandably, a lot of the conversation surrounding Aston Martin in recent months has concerned Adrian Newey.
The legendary engineer will begin working at Silverstone next week, with the 2026 regulations set to become his focus for the remainder of the year.
Of course, Newey is not the only change at Aston. A series of critical pieces of infrastructure are coming online, including a new wind tunnel and simulator.
Amidst this transitional phase, there are logically some doubts about whether the team’s 2026 progress is being impacted.
Speaking in a recent interview, Team Principal Andy Cowell explained how Aston Martin’s energy is being invested:
“Yes, that’s a big topic for the 10 teams,” he told Marca.
“For us, there are areas that are already 100% focused on 2026.
“So the conceptual engineering groups are only focused on 2026, because 2025 is done from their perspective.
“As the year progresses, each department will make that transition to partially [focused] in 2025, to completely on 2026. The majority of engineers that are here, the race team, will be the last to make the transition.
“And there are certain criteria for activity in the wind tunnel and CFD, which are more controlled by the FIA.”
Different elements coming into place
It is no surprise that Aston Martin are putting everything they have into hitting the ground running in 2026.
Whilst other midfield teams are also prioritising the new regulations, the British outfit have more tools at their disposal than this group.
The front-runners, for various reasons, will have a more difficult choice in terms of their 2025/26 development.
Because of this, Aston Martin are working diligently on next year. This includes their collaboration with Honda, who offer the team a critical edge – becoming a manufacturer team fully in control of their own destiny.
Andy Cowell is optimistic about Honda’s capabilities:
“Honda are a very capable brand, if we take into account the number of victories they have achieved – and the Championships they have won in recent years.
“The Honda engine has won more than the Mercedes in recent years. So you have to tip your hat off to them.
“I visited the factory, and I am very impressed with the group of people working there. Their ambition, creativity, drive, sense of humour, the installations they have… are impressive.”
Over the coming weeks, more details will emerge about how Adrian Newey, Enrico Cardile and the other key arrival at Aston Martin integrate themselves.
Crucially, Lawrence Stroll’s squad benefits from the leadership of Andy Cowell – a proven winner during his time overseeing Mercedes engines – who is entrusted with ensuring everything falls into place.
