Aston Martin detail priority change as F1 break prompts new focus

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has outlined the team's focus over F1's three-week autumn break.

For the first time, F1 has a scheduled calendar gap - of this length - during the latter-part of the season. It may also be the last, with the equivalent pause due in July next term.

Comparisons have been drawn to the mandated break in August, which has long been in place. However, unlike the summer shutdown, the paddock is allowed to continue working.

Aston Martin is using the additional time to good effect, shifting emphasis from 2024 to next year - and preparing the Silverstone squad - and base - for the comprehensive regulations overhaul in 2026, when it teams up with Honda.

Having powered Red Bull to back-to-back constructors' championships, the Japanese marque is switching allegiances, a move that will mean Aston Martin is no longer a customer team.

In preparation of that relationship formally starting, the two storied brands are taking advantage of the temporary lull in racing activity.

When asked by media including RacingNews365 how Aston Martin was spending the period between the Singapore Grand Prix and F1's annual trip to Austin, McCullough replied: "At the moment, we're in this phase where we're very, very busy with lots of things.

"As a team, compared to the other teams, we literally just moved into building two and building three at our new campus.

"[We've] got meetings with Honda, face-to-face meetings, as we're really focusing heavily on the '26 stuff that we're doing.

"It's also a phase where the '25 car workload is really ramping up. Actually, '24 development really is ramping down."

McCullough did highlight the range of tasks to manage, concluding: "Whether it's HR appraisals or car going faster stuff, we've got a lot to do."