Aston Martin expect 'surprises' over major upcoming F1 change

Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell expects the technical regulations being introduced in 2026 will produce “surprises” throughout the grid.

The cars are set to undergo significant changes next year with alterations to both the power unit and chassis.

The power units will have a major boost in electrical output and the MGU-H component will be removed from the set-up, with the changes attracting the attention of Audi and Honda who will join the grid as power unit suppliers.

With such vast changes coming into effect, Cowell is expecting a shake up in the pecking order.

“I think 2026 is exciting for everybody – advanced sustainable fuels, 350 kW electric propulsion, as well as the engine, different tyres, different aero, drag shedding down the straight,” Cowell told media including RacingNews365. 

“There are lots of exciting elements to that. The field will open up and there’ll be surprises, both positive and negative. 

“But that’s what makes the sport exciting. If we just stay with the same regulations and get closer and closer, yeah OK, all the cars run nose to tail – but it’s great to have new technology, new players, seeing Audi coming in.”

Honda will supply power units to Aston Martin and end its partnership with Red Bull next year.

As Aston Martin prepares to start a new relationship with the Japanese manufacturer, Cowell expressed his excitement over the upcoming project.

“I visited Honda the other week – the development they’re putting into the battery technology, they see that as road-relevant, and I think other manufacturers do too. 

“So it’s good that these regs are enticing some manufacturers into the sport, and we’re developing new technologies and ways to run the race cars.

“I think it’ll be an exciting journey. Plenty to watch, plenty to talk about, and to write about.”