While Aston Martin F1 has nothing left to play for in this second half of the season, all eyes are naturally turned towards 2025 and even more so 2026 and its new regulations.
Next season, which will see the triple arrival at full speed of Andy Cowell, Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile, should therefore be a year of transition for the Silverstone team.
In 2025, what will a successful year look like? Or will next year have little interest? Mike Krack, the boss of Aston Martin F1, answered these strategic questions.
“For next year, the immediate objective is to start the season in a better position than we started this year, and, from what will hopefully be a solid base, take good development decisions and continually improve the car. »
But Mike Krack recognizes it, 2026 will be more of a priority than 2025. This will be felt in terms of developments.
“2025 will be a special season, as we will quickly move on to work on the 2026 car and the new regulations, it will happen quickly. I don't think anyone will bring any new pieces to the track after the summer break unless there is a big battle for the title. »
“Our goal for the year is to arrive in Melbourne with a much faster and easier to drive race car. Currently, there is a gap between the top four teams and the bottom six, and we are on the wrong side. Success next year will be closing that gap and turning the top four teams into a top five. If we come back to the major league, if we are part of this group, it will be a success. »
The new wind tunnel and simulator at the AMR technology campus should enable Aston Martin F1 to close the gap on the leading teams.
Can Mike Krack share more about these essential tools today?
“The potential of the new simulator and wind tunnel is enormous. The Mercedes wind tunnel in Brackley that we currently use is excellent, but having its own tunnel on site takes things to another level, especially as the wind tunnel will be the most technically advanced and will set a new benchmark. »
“Why is this a deal breaker? Because it offers more flexibility. Currently, we have to run our wind tunnel tests one after the other. If we have a model failure or reliability issue, we lose those trials. The aerodynamic testing restrictions under which F1 operates make these tests a limited and valuable resource. »
“Having our own tunnel will unclog the operation, but also allow our aerodynamicists to be more creative. Everything will be so close: the model workshop is right next to the wind tunnel. We will be able to interrupt a test, wait an hour or two while new parts are produced, and start again. »
When will the team start to see the benefits of these revolutionary new facilities?
“Commissioning a wind tunnel is a job for specialists, and we are fortunate to have a very passionate team taking care of this work. There are great leaders in this group. They don't get the attention given to drivers, management or the design team, but they are probably under even more pressure, and they deal with it calmly and lead their teams exceptionally well. »
“We will not see immediate results as soon as the wind tunnel is operational. As with any new tool, you have to learn how to use it correctly. It's not just a matter of turning it on to instantly get better results or better fidelity. The first objective is to reproduce the consistency and quality that we obtain in our current wind tunnel. This is not easy, because this tunnel has been perfected for 20 years. After that we will have to develop and continue to improve. »
As for the new simulator, it is also a perhaps decisive novelty for Aston Martin F1.
“It has also been a huge undertaking, with a dedicated team pouring all their experience into making it a benchmark model. As with the wind tunnel, I often go to see everyone to increase my own understanding, and the simulator is simply amazing. It's going to improve our fidelity, improve the whole driver feedback circuit. I saw a demonstration and was absolutely amazed. It was like being in Star Wars. »
Newey to operate the best wind tunnel in the world
After the technical means, there are the men: Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile will soon arrive, from Red Bull and Ferrari, to take advantage of all these new features.
They must be enthusiastic and Mike Krack as impatient as them…
“I’m really looking forward to it. With Enrico, we gain immense experience in managing and leading a technical organization; with Adrian you get this incredible creativity and overall understanding of the vehicle. I'm excited to have them here because, firstly, they're going to help us make faster cars, and secondly, I'm going to learn a lot from them. »
Last month, Andy Cowell also joined the team as group CEO. He will not directly take care of the engine however, despite his role at Mercedes F1 previously.
“He is totally invested, it didn’t take long to get his bearings. He's still learning how we operate, but he's not afraid to ask questions and he's not afraid to make change. The discussions are truly collaborative, and he integrates quickly. Andy is someone who knows how to be serious when necessary, and who can laugh when it's not necessary. He is a very strong leader, but also a good listener. »
