Aston Martin Shakes Up F1 Design Department, Key Personnel to Depart Ahead of 2026

Aston Martin is reportedly undergoing a significant restructuring within its Formula 1 design department, with multiple key figures, including its aerodynamics director, set to leave the team. This shake-up comes as the team prepares for the radical new technical regulations in 2026 and aims to solidify its competitive future.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's aggressive move to overhaul its technical staff signals a strong intent to become a consistent frontrunner in Formula 1. With the 2026 regulations promising a fresh slate, securing top-tier talent and streamlining the design process is crucial for a team with championship aspirations. The departure of experienced personnel also highlights the team's commitment to new leadership and a potentially fresh philosophical approach under recently appointed technical figures.

The Details:

• Key Departures: Up to seven individuals from the aerodynamics and car design sections are confirmed to be leaving Aston Martin. This includes high-profile names such as Eric Blandin, the former aerodynamics director who previously worked with Mercedes and Ferrari.
• Blandin's Tenure: Blandin joined Aston Martin in 2022 to work under Technical Director Dan Fallows but transitioned out of his role earlier in 2024. His departure coincides with Adrian Newey's official start as Managing Technical Partner.
• Other Noteworthy Exits: Chief Designer Akio Haga is also reportedly among the seven departing personnel, indicating a broad strategic shift within the design leadership.
• Adrian Newey's Influence: These personnel changes are understood to be part of Adrian Newey's strategy to imprint his authority and vision on the team as they gear up for the 2026 season. Newey, a legendary figure in F1 design, is known for his transformative impact on teams.
• Cost Cap Compliance: Under strict F1 cost cap regulations, any departing staff must be completely disassociated from F1 responsibilities. They cannot be reassigned to other divisions within Aston Martin, such as advanced technologies, if their work still relates to F1.
• Enrico Cardile's Arrival: Further reinforcing the restructuring, Enrico Cardile, formerly a prominent engineer at Ferrari, is set to join Aston Martin in August. He will work alongside Newey in reshaping the technical department following a period of gardening leave after his exit from Maranello.

What's next:

The full impact of these changes will likely be seen in Aston Martin's future car designs, particularly with the critical 2026 regulatory overhaul looming. The integration of Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile, coupled with the strategic departures, suggests a focused drive to build a championship-caliber team. The upcoming seasons will reveal whether this radical shake-up positions Aston Martin to truly challenge for the F1 world championships.