Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team principal, Andy Cowell, has outlined the extensive transformations taking place within the Silverstone-based outfit, emphasizing that these developments extend well beyond the regulatory shifts set for 2026. Cowell, who also manages Fernando Alonso, explained that the changes are part of a wider, long-term strategy rather than simply responding to the upcoming new season.
The 56-year-old British motorsports executive took on the role of group CEO at Aston Martin in July 2024 and was promoted to team principal ahead of the 2025 season. In an exclusive discussion with RacingNews365, Cowell highlighted the demanding nature of managing continuous change while preparing for a competitive 2025 campaign.
Enduring Commitment to Change and Growth Beyond 2026
Cowell described the ongoing adjustments as far from minor, pointing out the extra effort required to maintain progress amid a busy development schedule.
“Change is not trivial,” Cowell said. “We’re going racing, we’re engineering a car for next year, adding change on top of that is extra workload. Making change requires extra effort. There are always hurdles. There’s always a feeling of, ‘do we really need to?’ and it’s just leaning into that.” —Andy Cowell, Team Principal
He stressed that the team’s focus remains on the medium to long term, with 2026 marking not only a regulatory shift but also Aston Martin’s first season as a fully-fledged works team, signaling the start of a new era.
“It’s leaning into that and keeping the medium to long-term focus, because it’s not just about 2026. It’s the first season of us being a works team. But there are many more championships after that point, and we want to be strong across all of those.” —Andy Cowell, Team Principal
Currently, Aston Martin’s driver lineup features Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The team recently inaugurated a new complex at Silverstone, which includes a state-of-the-art wind tunnel expected to play a crucial role in the design and refinement of their 2026 car.
Lawrence Stroll’s Vision Drives Aston Martin’s Evolution
Cowell also commended the significant influence of Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll on the organization’s recent transformation. Since leading the acquisition of Racing Point in 2018, Stroll has overseen the team’s revival from financial uncertainty into a competitive and respected entity in Formula 1.
The Canadian businessman’s willingness to back long-term infrastructure investments has been vital to Aston Martin’s progress.
“That’s where Lawrence is exceptionally good at having that vision and investing further for the medium to long-term,” Cowell stated.
“You don’t invest in a wind tunnel if it’s short-term. You don’t invest in the campus that we’ve experienced if you’re there for the short term. Lawrence gives a very clear vision. We’re all impatient, but the investment supports a medium to long-term approach.” —Andy Cowell, Team Principal
Under Stroll’s leadership, Aston Martin has attracted notable figures such as former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey and secured the return of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. Cowell’s own move from Mercedes to Aston Martin fits within this broader strategy of assembling top talent and building lasting competitive strength.
Looking Ahead to Sustained Success
The strategic investments and leadership changes at Aston Martin underline the team’s ambition to remain competitive well beyond the immediate challenges of the upcoming regulatory cycle. With new facilities and a strong driver lineup, the Silverstone outfit aims to capitalize on its status as a works team from 2026 onward.
The continued expansion and development facilitated by Lawrence Stroll and led by Andy Cowell suggest that Aston Martin’s future in Formula 1 depends on maintaining a steady course of progress, balancing the pressures of short-term racing demands with long-term championship aspirations.