Aston Martin recently unveiled their new car, generating excitement ahead of the Formula 1 season. On Monday, the car will undergo a short shakedown in Bahrain, leading up to the three-day pre-season test that kicks off on Wednesday. The season opener features the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 14 to 16.
According to Mike Cowell, the team has worked hard on their aerodynamic designs, pushing their plans further than ever before. This allowed the team to spend additional time in the wind tunnel, refining their designs for better track performance.
Cowell, who took up the role of team principal after joining from Mercedes, acknowledged the challenges Aston Martin faced last season. He noted that there was often a disconnect between their development techniques and how the car performed on track. “We have a solid grasp of last year’s car,” he said, adding that their goal this winter was to create a vehicle that feels stable and predictable during races.
This season is crucial for the team to assess their learning and progress. The performance of the car in Melbourne and any upgrades introduced throughout the year will be telling. Cowell emphasized the importance of having a cohesive toolset that works well together, especially with major changes approaching in 2026.
Next year, Formula 1 will see significant rule changes, including new engines and aerodynamic regulations. Aston Martin is also shifting from using customer Mercedes engines to becoming Honda’s factory team in the coming season. The arrival of Adrian Newey as managing technical partner is viewed as a key step toward improving their design and performance.
Fernando Alonso, despite being 44, remains a fierce competitor and is under contract through the 2026 season. He will continue to team up with Lance Stroll, who is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. Cowell praised Alonso’s contribution to the team, highlighting his work ethic and performance drive.
“Age is just a number. Fernando brings invaluable experience and insights,” Cowell remarked. He noted that Alonso excels at prioritizing improvements, focusing on what truly matters to enhance performance.