Andy Cowell Impact at Aston Martin F1, Mike Krack says……read more
Aston Martin Formula 1 team principal, Mike Krack, has praised the significant impact of Andy Cowell, who joined the team as group CEO in October. Cowell’s appointment is part of Aston Martin’s strategy to become World Championship contenders in Formula 1. Krack emphasized that Cowell has quickly adapted to the team’s culture and is already focused on crucial areas of development.
Krack described Cowell’s integration into the team as smooth, noting that the new CEO is very clear and decisive about his expectations. According to Krack, Cowell has quickly grasped the importance of focusing on performance above all else. “It’s about discussing, ‘what do we have to do first? What is first? And it’s obviously performance first,’” Krack explained. He went on to say that Cowell is focused on ensuring that the team’s “sausage machine,” a term referring to the process by which parts are developed and produced, operates efficiently.
Aston Martin has made considerable progress in several areas, but as Krack noted, Formula 1 teams are ultimately judged by their performance on track. He emphasized the need for the team to deliver upgrades quickly and efficiently and to optimize relationships with suppliers. Despite progress in other areas, Krack stressed that the core focus remains on improving track performance. Cowell, Krack added, has quickly recognized this and is now intensively focused on ensuring the team develops the performance of its car.
The 2024 season was challenging for Aston Martin, with the team experiencing a decline in performance compared to the previous year. Development efforts did not meet expectations, and the team struggled to maintain its position near the front of the grid. Krack was cautious when discussing the team’s prospects for the upcoming season, acknowledging the difficult lessons learned in 2024. However, he emphasized that the team is dedicated to improving the development process, specifically in terms of how new parts and upgrades are produced and implemented.
Looking ahead, Krack noted that while the immediate priority is to improve performance for the 2025 season, the team’s focus is also heavily on the 2026 regulations. The team is already working on plans to meet the challenges posed by the all-new regulations for the 2026 season, which is considered a crucial milestone for all Formula 1 teams. With Adrian Newey, the renowned Red Bull chief technical officer, officially joining Aston Martin on March 1, Krack mentioned that much of the team’s efforts are now geared toward long-term development. Newey’s expertise will be pivotal as Aston Martin prepares for the significant changes coming in 2026.
Krack emphasized that the team is now working on both the short-term improvements required for the 2025 season and the long-term changes needed for the 2026 regulations. The team’s focus on improving both aerodynamic and mechanical aspects of the car is central to their ongoing development. Despite the difficulties of 2024, Krack is optimistic about the future, pointing to the early efforts already in motion to ensure the team’s competitiveness in the coming years.
As Aston Martin works on refining its approach to development, the early signs of Cowell’s influence are already clear. His focus on performance and long-term goals is expected to help the team make significant strides in the near future.
