Aston Martin hoping for clearer image in September over F1 future

Aston Martin hopes to have a clearer indication of how much it will be involved in F1 beyond 2021 by September. Speaking to Speed Week, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer spoke about the future of the company and how it will integrate itself in F1.

The British marque already has close ties with Red Bull. Chief technical officer of the energy drink team, Adrian Newey, designed Aston Martin's ground-breaking hypercar, the Valkyrie.  There have been rumours that Red Bull and Aston Martin could unite even further in 2021 when the new set of engine regulations come in to force.

"Our partnership with Adrian Newey and Red Bull Technology at the Valkyrie sports car means that we are already in the Formula 1 environment," said Palmer. "Let us ask ourselves: would it make sense to join the team? Our main rival is Ferrari, so the rationale would seem quite reasonable.

"However, we simply do not have the funds to invest 350 to 400 million per season. If it were, and that's really the point of failure, if there were ways to develop and deploy a motor at a reasonable price, then we'd look closely at it."

With Aston Martin attending recent F1 engine meetings (along with a selection of other manufacturers), Palmer is confident that the sport is heading back in the right direction: "We are moving in the right direction. Everyone at the table agrees that we need a better show in the Formula 1, the engines have to be louder again, in order to inspire the fans.

"We want to keep the performance level, but lower costs. All are for that too. The big question now is: How do we manage this? It is difficult to reconcile the interests of all. There will be a point where the FIA or Formula 1 group says - so, that's the way we'll go.

"We listen to everything. By September we will have a clearer picture. I was never a big fan of pure sponsorship. I find a technical cooperation better on the grounds of credibility. And we are currently in the form of Valkyrie. If we could contribute technology to such a project, all the better."

Fergal Walsh