Major Car Overhaul Planned
Adrian Newey, the team principal for Aston Martin, has confirmed that the team plans to introduce its first major performance upgrade of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This event is scheduled to take place from 24-26 July, occurring before the sport’s summer break. The upgrade aims to address the team’s challenging start to the season, which has seen them consistently at the back of the field.
The decision to delay performance improvements until a single, meaningful step could be introduced was a cost-effective approach, according to Newey. The planned changes are set to focus on substantial weight reduction and significant aerodynamic revisions. While the core structure of the car will remain similar, the upgrade includes a new nose and extensively revised aerodynamic surfaces. The rear suspension will also see slight revisions, though the front suspension is expected to remain unchanged. The primary goal is to bring the car very close to the weight limit.
Newey noted that the team’s current car is considerably overweight on the chassis side. This issue stems partly from integrating the power unit and managing vibration problems with Honda, their new engine partner. He also acknowledged that the team did not perform as well as they should have in saving weight during the design phase. Newey explained that designing under pressure often leads to weight being the first compromise, as there isn’t sufficient time to optimise every component thoroughly.
Aerodynamically, the team took a bold direction, largely influenced by Newey himself, without the luxury of exploring multiple concepts in depth due to time constraints. While he does not believe the chosen direction is fundamentally incorrect, it has presented unexpected challenges. This upcoming upgrade will be the first major development tested with Aston Martin’s new tools and procedures, and with Newey at the helm.
Organisational Changes and Health Challenges
The difficult start to the season, characterised by a car lacking performance and being overweight, was attributed by Newey to a combination of factors. These include a late design process following his arrival in March of the previous year, and the discovery that the team’s organisational processes were not fit for purpose. Newey stated that this challenging period has been utilised as an opportunity to overhaul their working methods. He highlighted that the team was relying on outdated tools and processes, some of which dated back to the early days of the Jordan team.
Newey clarified his role as team principal, a title he adopted in November of the previous year. He explained that while it is a formal requirement under FIA regulations, for Aston Martin, it signifies that he is ultimately responsible for key strategic decisions. He also revealed that he has been dealing with a period of illness, stating, “I’m OK now, but it’s been a difficult period.” He added that he was not at 100% last year and had to balance his health and work more carefully, commending the team for their support and adaptability during this time.
The team’s efforts to improve their internal capabilities are ongoing, with more components now being produced in-house. This shift is expected to provide better cost control, increased flexibility, and greater control over their manufacturing processes. Newey believes this approach will lead to better quality control, improved responsiveness, and a tighter feedback loop from research to design and manufacture.
Impact on Driver Fernando Alonso’s Future
The success of the chassis upgrade could be a crucial factor in lead driver Fernando Alonso’s decision regarding his future with the team. Alonso, who will be 45 in July, is out of contract at the end of the current season. While he has expressed commitment to Aston Martin, he has not yet decided whether to continue in Formula 1 or pursue other racing opportunities.
Newey emphasised the upgrade’s importance to Alonso, stating that the driver is eagerly anticipating it. He hopes that if the upgrade performs well, Alonso will remain in the cockpit for another season. Newey praised Alonso’s experience, his feel for the car, and his ability to guide development, calling him a tremendous asset. However, he noted that Alonso requires clear and tangible progress from the team.
Despite the high expectations, Newey was reluctant to provide specific performance estimates for the upgrade. He explained that the team’s simulation tools are not yet as sophisticated or well-correlated as needed. He acknowledged that historically, there hasn’t been sufficient investment in engineering simulation tools at the team, but efforts are now being made to rectify this. While improvements are being seen, the full benefits of this investment are expected to materialise later in the year. The Hungarian Grand Prix will host the introduction of this significant upgrade.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
