Significant Upgrades Planned for Hungary
Aston Martin is set to introduce its first significant performance upgrade of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which is scheduled for 24-26 July. This decision focuses on implementing one substantial improvement rather than smaller, incremental updates throughout the season. The team has faced challenges this season, including being overweight and lacking performance, which Newey attributes to a late design start and organizational issues.
The planned changes include a considerable reduction in weight and major aerodynamic revisions. Newey detailed that while the front suspension will remain unchanged, the rear suspension will see slight revisions. Additionally, a new nose and substantially revised aerodynamic surfaces are part of the package. The goal is to bring the car very close to the weight limit.
Newey explained that designing the car in a rush, partly due to his arrival in March of last year, meant that weight-saving measures suffered. He also acknowledged taking a bold aerodynamic direction, largely driven by himself, without the luxury of exploring multiple concepts in depth due to time constraints. Despite the challenges, he believes the direction is not fundamentally wrong but has presented unexpected issues.
Addressing Early Season Difficulties
The team’s difficult start to the season was compounded by issues integrating the power unit and dealing with vibration problems in collaboration with Honda. Newey revealed that the team’s organizational processes were not fit for purpose, leading to a frustrating car build where parts were not ordered efficiently. He emphasized that this was a structural problem rather than a personnel issue, and the team has used this period to overhaul their working methods.
Newey also disclosed that he has been dealing with a period of illness, which affected his performance last year. He stated he is now well and commended the team for their support and adaptability during this time. The team principal role, he clarified, involves making key strategic decisions, a responsibility he shares with owner Lawrence Stroll.
The team has been working to bring more production in-house, including gearbox casings, floor patterns, and other components previously outsourced. This move aims to improve cost control, flexibility, and quality, creating a tighter feedback loop from research to manufacturing.
Mike Krack, Chief Trackside Officer, acknowledged the difficult period but expressed optimism, stating there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for the team. He noted that both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll provide very similar feedback, which helps the team progress quicker in identifying areas for improvement.
Impact on Driver Future and Performance Expectations
The success of this chassis upgrade is considered crucial for lead driver Fernando Alonso, whose contract concludes at the end of the season. Alonso, who will be in July, has indicated his commitment to Aston Martin but has not yet decided on his future in Formula 1. Newey stated that Alonso is eagerly anticipating the upgrade, and if it performs well, the team hopes he will remain in the cockpit for another season.
Newey highlighted Alonso’s experience, feel for the car, and ability to guide development as significant assets. He stressed that Alonso seeks clear, tangible progress, and if the team can demonstrate a decisive move in the right direction, the driver is fully committed. However, Newey refrained from providing a specific estimate for the performance improvement expected from the upgrade.
Currently, Aston Martin is off the pace. Even an improvement would only place them in the midfield, still behind teams like Alpine and Racing Bulls. Newey mentioned that the team’s simulation tools are not yet as sophisticated or well correlated as needed, a result of insufficient investment in engineering simulation tools historically. While investment is now being made, the full benefits of this work are expected later in the year.
An upgrade to the Honda engine, which is currently considered the least powerful on the grid, is also anticipated this summer. Insiders suggest it lacks power compared to the best engines. The specific race for its introduction has not been announced by the company.
This major upgrade will be the first to be tested with Aston Martin’s new tools and procedures, with Newey at the helm. The team currently sits 10th in the Teams’ Championship.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”