Crack says Cowell is already making an impact on Aston Martin F1

Aston Martin team principal Mike Craik has praised Andy Cowell’s immediate impact as the recently appointed group CEO is “very clear” on what he likes.

Signed from Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains where he served as Managing Director since 2013Cowell was announced as part of the team’s “ongoing journey to become Formula 1 World Championship contenders”.

To become familiar with the team’s workings trackside, Cowell attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of the 2024 F1 season, while he was also taught how Aston Martin uses its windtunnel.

Asked about the job Cowell has done since joining in October, Crack told Autosport: “I think it’s been pretty smooth so far. Andy’s been very clear whether he wants it this way or that.”

He added: “It’s about discussing, ‘What do we do first?’ What’s the first? And it’s obviously the first. Because we always call it the sausage machine.

“Once the parts are defined, the sausage machine delivers them, and we’ve made great progress in many areas of the team.

“But you are always evaluated on the basis of performance on the track. So, how quickly you bring out your upgrades or how fast you work, or how efficiently you work about suppliers or commercial – all that is secondary in Formula 1.

“You are evaluated only on the basis of how you perform on the track. So, we have to focus on performance and I think Andy realized that very quickly.

“He also felt that other areas were well established and well operated. But the important thing is how we are developing the performance and I think that’s an area where he is now Focusing intensely.”

Aston Martin faces a tough campaign in 2024 as the team continued a string of developments that began last year that failed to match expectations.

Adrian Newey officially joins Aston Martin on March 1 to focus primarily on the all-new 2026 regulationsWhen Krak was asked how he was feeling ahead of the new season, he sounded a note of caution.

“I think what I said earlier — the diligence of development, we’re working on that, and (asking) ‘How can we do this process better?’ He said.

“At the end of the day, it is also a waste of money. These parts cost a lot and if they are not working, you are no longer using them. So, it’s definitely a big part.

“But then we also have to improve the performance, we have to improve the aerodynamic performance of the car, we have to improve the mechanical properties of the car. So, there is a lot to do.

“All these projects have started and eventually they have to be completed. And then we mustn’t forget 2026 – a big milestone for everyone.

“I think it’s a little unique now this year, because the focus is on 2026, much earlier than a normal year, where you look at next year’s car, maybe before the (summer) shutdown, or maybe a little before the shutdown. .

“Now it’s already (happening) and we’re still in 2024.”