Aston Martin has begun laying the foundations for its 2027 Formula 1 challenger, with Adrian Newey confirming that the project has kicked off.
Although the team remains engaged in extracting more performance from its 2026 machine, part of its engineering effort has already been redirected towards the next phase of Formula 1’s technical evolution.
Unlike the sweeping changes introduced for 2026, the regulations arriving in 2027 will focus on a series of refinements rather than a complete reset. Those updates will cover both the power unit and aerodynamic rulebooks, forcing teams to revisit several core design concepts.
The power unit package will feature a higher fuel allowance alongside revised energy deployment, while the chassis regulations will include aerodynamic adjustments intended to alter airflow around the car.
Aston Martin is currently concentrating on the earliest stages of development, with engineers making key architectural choices before detailed design work begins.
“Yes, we’re in the early research stages. Right now, it’s about the big architectural decisions: where we position the engine in the wheelbase, how we position the chassis, and the fundamental choices that affect very long lead-time items,” said Newey.
“We’re looking at front and rear suspension concepts, gearbox shape – all the things that heavily influence the aerodynamics.
“A key aim is to release the ’27 car to production much earlier in the process, so we’re not putting everyone under the same pressure we’ve had this year. That should allow us to optimise weight, stiffness and detail far more effectively.”
He added: “The most obvious changes are on the power unit side: five per cent extra fuel, some adjustments to energy storage and deployment, and some finer tweaks.
“On the chassis side, the changes are fewer but still significant. The biggest is to what’s often called the ‘bib’ or ‘tea tray’ at the front of the floor. The leading edge has been moved by about 300 millimetres, which allows you to run the front of the car lower. That brings a different set of aerodynamic characteristics.
“There’s also a slightly shallower rear wing to reduce downforce, some changes to the front of the floor – the ‘bear claws’ or ‘fingers’ reducing from five to three – and the removal of various tricks teams have been using around the exhaust and rear wing.”
