Aston Martin Bolsters Simulation Team with Ferrari-Era Engineer Marco Fainello

Aston Martin has hired Marco Fainello, Ferrari's former simulations guru from the Michael Schumacher era, as a consultant, a move that directly addresses Adrian Newey's recent critique of the team's simulation tools ahead of the 2026 F1 rule changes. This strategic addition aims to significantly improve the team's technical capabilities, aligning with Newey's vision for the AMR26 and their future partnership with Honda.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's aggressive recruitment of top-tier talent, including Adrian Newey and now Marco Fainello, underscores their serious intent to challenge for the F1 championship under the new 2026 regulations. Enhancing their simulation tools is critical for developing a competitive car, especially with the complex technical shifts involving 50% electrification, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. This move signals a significant investment in foundational technology to support their ambitious goals.

The Details:

• Targeted Improvement: Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin in March, identified the team's simulation tools, particularly the driver-in-the-loop simulator, as a key weakness, noting it lacked correlation and needed substantial work.
• Expert Recruitment: To remedy this, Aston Martin first appointed Giles Wood, who previously worked with Newey at McLaren and Red Bull, as simulation and vehicle modeling director last summer.
• Fainello's Return: Marco Fainello, renowned for his instrumental role in Ferrari's simulation efforts during their dominant period with Michael Schumacher (1997-2004), has now joined as a consultant. His expertise includes overseeing the development of Ferrari's first simulator and holding the role of head of vehicle dynamics.
• Key Recommendation: Fainello's recruitment is reportedly a recommendation from Enrico Cardile, Aston Martin's new chief technical officer, who previously served as Ferrari's technical director.
• Strategic Hires Continue: Beyond simulation, Aston Martin is also strengthening its strategy department, having signed former Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls strategist Nick Roberts, who will start in F1 2026.

Looking Ahead:

Aston Martin's proactive approach in bringing in seasoned F1 engineering talent like Fainello, Wood, and Roberts directly addresses the areas Newey highlighted as crucial for future success. While Newey initially suggested it could take up to two years to bring their simulation tools up to standard, these high-profile hires indicate an accelerated effort to meet that timeline. The focus is clearly on building a robust technical foundation to maximize the potential of the AMR26 and their upcoming Honda engine partnership, positioning Aston Martin to be a formidable contender in 2026.