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Aston Martin is actively considering a more substantial role in Formula 1, particularly with the impending regulatory changes in 2021. Currently, the British luxury car manufacturer serves as the title sponsor for Red Bull Racing and has been in discussions about creating an engine program to further assist the Milton Keynes-based team in the future. However, brand CEO Andy Palmer recently indicated to Autocar that the costs associated with such an initiative remain prohibitively high. Therefore, it seems unlikely that Aston Martin will expand its involvement in Formula 1 beyond its sponsorship for the foreseeable future.
Palmer addressed the ongoing speculation about Aston Martin’s ambitions in Formula 1, stating to Autocar: “Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the new regulations will attract our interest. Aston had some enthusiasm based on the expectation that costs would be kept in check and that the formula would empower drivers more significantly.”
Red Bull F1 features Aston Martin sponsorship on the nose and rear wing of the car. (Getty Images)
Despite anticipated reductions in engine development costs slated for 2021 and onward, Aston Martin still finds the financial barriers too steep. Palmer noted that more needs to be done beyond simply standardizing some of the engine’s complex components and the still-contentious hybrid system.
“I don’t see costs decreasing enough with the regulations being discussed, and I believe the chance to spend heavily to gain just a fraction of a second per lap will continue to exist,” Palmer added to Autocar. “We admire the sport at Aston Martin and would love to contribute, but we cannot engage in an arms race. It’s unnecessarily costly and detracts from the sport, as the team that secures that slight edge will win. Though I won’t completely rule out participation until seeing a final proposal, I doubt we’ll engage if there’s a potential for a spending battle.”
Last October, Aston Martin even enlisted former Ferrari F1 engine chief Luca Marmorini as a part-time consultant. Now, however, Palmer seems convinced that the manufacturer will likely retract its exploration in this area.
For now, Palmer has confirmed that Aston Martin will maintain its long-term sponsorship of Red Bull Racing. The team, in collaboration with its junior team Toro Rosso, will switch to Honda engines for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, departing from its current partnership with Tag Heuer-branded Renault engines, which will conclude at the end of this season.
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