Adrian Newey will officially join Aston Martin soon, ramping up the pressure on the team’s technical group to showcase their knowledge of F1 car mechanics. This is the last year for the current ground effect rules, and the team should be ready to apply what they’ve learned over the past three seasons without relying solely on Newey’s expertise.
Looking ahead to 2026, new regulations will bring fresh challenges and opportunities. Newey’s influence will be more critical then, especially as the team can assess its strengths and weaknesses through the 2025 project.
With the AMR25 unveiled, let’s dive in and see how it stacks up against its predecessor.
F1 design is like nature; a bee seeks the fastest route through flowers without getting hurt. The car’s airflow needs to do just that as well.
Front Wing
Aston Martin claims to have revamped the front wing for better grip in low-speed corners. Although the comparison images come from slightly different angles, the design does hint at some changes. Adjustments in element cord lengths can impact aerodynamics, especially when considering how flexing may affect performance.
The nose is bulkier, but it still features a leading element that helps manage airflow under the nose, enhancing the performance of the underfloor aerodynamics.
The gap between the front wheel and the wing’s endplate looks larger than before. If this is accurate, it could enhance outwash and aid in cornering when the steering angle is high.
Front Suspension
The front suspension mirrors last year’s design without significant modifications. The pushrod-driven layout remains intact, similar to Ferrari’s new system. The radiator intake also shows some changes, which we will discuss next.
Radiator Intake
The new radiator intake features a “Peaky Blinders” style top, a shift from last year’s design. This change can improve airflow management when the front wing is set at higher angles, optimizing cooling efficiency.
Interestingly, the radiator opening seems larger, a trend among many 2025 cars likely preparing for competitive racing where close-quarters driving is expected.
Sidepod Design
The sidepod’s profile has been simplified. It maintains a crucial top surface gully, allowing airflow to flow down and reach the center of the car. Care must be taken to ensure the gully’s expansion stays consistent to prevent airflow separation, which could hurt performance.
Airflow over the sidepod is directed downwards, aiding in overall aerodynamic efficiency, in line with regulatory requirements while minimizing vortex issues.
Rear Suspension
The Aston Martin employs a Mercedes-based transmission and likely shares some rear suspension layouts. Key elements appear unchanged compared to last year, but adjustments hint at reduced anti-lift characteristics.
Engine Cover
The engine cover sports a new trailing edge slot for improved cooling airflow, featuring a fin to comply with regulations. This setup is designed to separate hot air from the main cooling system effectively.
Rear Wing
The rear wing aims to enhance corner entry stability, a critical element for driver confidence. The rear wing is modular, allowing for different setups throughout the season. Notably, Aston’s design contrasts with other teams that have separated their components more distinctly.
Aston’s 2024 Performance Review
Aston Martin started the 2024 season with promise but struggled as it progressed. Analyzing their performance compared to the fastest cars reveals a trend of declining competitiveness.
To regularly score points, teams need to stay within a one percent deficit throughout the season. Aston’s early-season performance showed potential but faded, highlighting the need for improvement and perhaps a touch of luck to secure podium finishes.
