Aston Martin wants F1 to seize 'golden opportunity'

Aston Martin wants to see Formula 1 seize on a "golden opportunity" to cut down on costs by standardising gearbox parts.

The team - then known as Force India - previously made its own gearboxes in 2008, before becoming a customer in 2009 to McLaren to save costs.

It later switched to Mercedes as part of its engine agreement, but this long-term arrangement will come to an end as Aston will link up with Honda in 2026 as part of the revised engine regulations.

It has already started preparations for a transmission department in anticipation of 2026, but Engineering Director Luca Furbatto believes a move towards more standardised parts will be beneficial for competitors.

"We're pushing for a standardised gearbox because it makes financial sense in a cost cap environment but we are facing stiff opposition," he said in an interview on the Aston Martin F1 website.

"Realistically it’s not going to happen any time soon. It's possible the FIA may reach something of a middle ground, with the design becoming a little more prescribed, lighter and simplified."

Money could be used to improve show

The FIA has previously considered a move towards standardised gearboxes in the 2019 season, but ultimately decided that there was little gain from a single supplier after taking both technical and financial data.

But Furbatto believes the money could go to other resources, which in turn might improve the show on track for fans.

"I suspect we will look back in a few years and conclude that we lost a golden opportunity to reduce costs within the transmission area," he explained.

"It is something that the fans cannot see, the technology is the same between all teams and brings very little performance.

"The money saved on transmission could be repurposed towards aero development, which is currently the only way to compress the grid and improve the show."