Major Technical Restructure Underway as Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile Shape Aston Martin’s Future Formula 1 Car
Aston Martin Formula 1 have undergone a significant internal shake-up, with at least seven senior design staff removed from the team’s technical department as part of a major restructure ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Among the high-profile departures is Eric Blandin, the former Mercedes aerodynamic chief, who joined Aston Martin in 2022 as deputy technical director before taking over as aerodynamics director earlier this year.
A team spokesperson confirmed that a comprehensive technical reorganization is taking place but declined to comment on specific individuals.
“We don’t comment on internal matters and we don’t have anything to announce yet,” the spokesperson said. “However, we are going through a technical restructure ahead of the 2026 season which will be announced in the near future.”
Sources within the paddock indicate that the shake-up is part of a strategic overhaul led by managing technical partner Adrian Newey and new technical leaders Enrico Cardile and Andy Cowell, aimed at positioning Aston Martin as a front-running team under the new 2026 F1 regulations.
Eric Blandin and Akio Haga Among Key Staff to Depart
BBC Sport revealed that, in addition to Blandin, the departures include former chief designer Akio Haga, who has been a central figure in the development of Aston Martin’s recent F1 cars.
The changes reportedly extend to multiple departments within the design and aerodynamics teams, reflecting a shift in design philosophy as the team prepares for a new era of F1 hybrid regulations that will feature revised power unit rules and active aerodynamics.
Some of the departing engineers are expected to remain within Aston Martin’s wider motorsport and technology divisions, including Aston Martin Performance Technologies, which develops projects beyond Formula 1.
That division already houses former chief technical officer Andrew Green, who was reassigned there before the 2023 season.
Adrian Newey Takes Charge of 2026 Car Development
Since joining the team in March 2025, Adrian Newey, widely regarded as the most successful car designer in F1 history, has taken a hands-on role in leading the design direction of Aston Martin’s 2026 challenger.
The legendary engineer, who masterminded title-winning designs for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, is now reshaping Aston Martin’s technical structure, focusing on aerodynamics efficiency, chassis design, and integration with the team’s upcoming Honda power unit partnership.
“Newey’s influence is already being felt,” a team insider told BBC Sport. “He’s bringing a complete re-evaluation of processes, design workflow, and aerodynamics integration. The 2026 car will have his fingerprints all over it.”
Enrico Cardile and Andy Cowell Strengthen Technical Leadership
Another key figure in the Aston Martin restructuring is Enrico Cardile, the former Ferrari chassis technical director, who officially joined the team in August after departing Maranello in mid-2024. Cardile is believed to be working closely with Newey to revamp the design philosophy and improve the integration between the aerodynamics, chassis, and power unit teams.
Meanwhile, Andy Cowell, the former managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), serves as Aston Martin’s team principal and CEO. Cowell’s arrival marked a pivotal point in the team’s transformation strategy led by owner Lawrence Stroll, who aims to make Aston Martin a championship contender by the late 2020s.
“The leadership trio of Newey, Cardile, and Cowell is unprecedented in modern F1,” said one F1 analyst. “It’s an all-star lineup that shows Aston Martin’s intent to fight at the very top.”
Cost Cap and Efficiency Driving Restructure
The restructuring comes at a time when Formula 1’s financial regulations continue to shape team operations. Under the F1 cost cap rules, nearly all salaries within the design and development departments are included in the spending limit — except for the three highest-paid team executives.
This restriction means that teams like Aston Martin, who have rapidly expanded in recent years, must periodically streamline their technical workforce to stay compliant while maintaining competitiveness.
“Balancing top-tier talent with cost cap efficiency is one of the biggest challenges for any ambitious F1 team,” said F1 correspondent Andrew Benson. “Aston Martin’s decision to restructure now ensures they enter the 2026 era leaner and better aligned technically.”
Honda Partnership Key to 2026 Ambitions
Aston Martin’s 2026 project also coincides with the launch of their new engine partnership with Honda, marking a major shift away from Mercedes power units.
Honda, who powered Red Bull Racing to multiple world championships between 2021 and 2023, will supply bespoke hybrid power units to Aston Martin under the new regulations that emphasize sustainable fuels and electrical energy output.
The collaboration is expected to be a game-changer, with the Silverstone-based team gaining full works status for the first time — a crucial step toward matching the dominance of Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
“This partnership with Honda gives Aston Martin full control over chassis and power unit integration,” said a senior Honda engineer. “That synergy is vital for success in 2026.”
Lawrence Stroll’s Vision: From Midfield to Champions
Since taking over the team in 2020, billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll has overseen a massive expansion — including a state-of-the-art headquarters in Silverstone, a new wind tunnel, and the recruitment of top-tier technical talent.
Under Stroll’s leadership, Aston Martin rose to early-season podiums in 2023 and 2024 but has since struggled with consistency and aerodynamic balance, currently sitting seventh in the Constructors’ Championship.
The latest restructuring is seen as the next stage of Stroll’s long-term championship roadmap, designed to deliver race-winning machinery and a sustainable technical foundation.
“This is not a crisis — it’s evolution,” said a team insider. “With Newey and Honda coming in, everything is being rebuilt around a 2026 championship push.”
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
With the 2026 Formula 1 regulations introducing radical aerodynamic and power unit changes, Aston Martin’s leadership believes that a complete technical reset now is essential to compete for victories in the next era.
If successful, the combination of Adrian Newey’s design genius, Honda’s engine innovation, and Cardile’s structural expertise could position Aston Martin as serious title contenders — fulfilling Stroll’s long-stated ambition to transform the team from midfield runners into champions.
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