Newey optimistic about 2027 rule changes as Aston Martin begins work on next-generation F1 car

While Formula 1 teams remain focused on extracting more performance from the all-new 2026 cars, Aston Martin has already turned part of its attention towards the sport's next evolution, with Technical Chief and Team Principal Adrian Newey revealing that work on the 2027 challenger is already underway.

Although the revolutionary 2026 regulations introduced completely new chassis and power unit concepts, Formula 1 will make another series of technical changes for 2027.

Rather than another wholesale reset, the next rules package will consist of targeted refinements to both the power unit and aerodynamic regulations, forcing teams to rethink several key aspects of their designs.

Newey confirmed Aston Martin has already begun the earliest stages of development, focusing on the major architectural decisions that must be made well before detailed design work can begin.

"Yes, we're in the early research stages. Right now, it's about the big architectural decisions: where we position the engine in the wheelbase, how we position the chassis, and the fundamental choices that affect very long lead-time items.

"We're looking at front and rear suspension concepts, gearbox shape – all the things that heavily influence the aerodynamics.

"A key aim is to release the '27 car to production much earlier in the process, so we're not putting everyone under the same pressure we've had this year. That should allow us to optimise weight, stiffness and detail far more effectively."

Having experienced a difficult start to the 2026 campaign, Aston Martin is determined not to repeat the mistakes that left it behind its rivals. Beginning work on the 2027 project earlier should give the team more time to optimise every aspect of the car before production begins.

Newey also outlined the principal regulation changes that will come into force in 2027. On the power unit side, Formula 1 will introduce additional fuel allowance alongside revisions to energy deployment, while the chassis regulations will feature several aerodynamic changes designed to reshape airflow around the car.

"The most obvious changes are on the power unit side: five per cent extra fuel, some adjustments to energy storage and deployment, and some finer tweaks.

"On the chassis side, the changes are fewer but still significant. The biggest is to what's often called the 'bib' or 'tea tray' at the front of the floor. The leading edge has been moved by about 300 millimetres, which allows you to run the front of the car lower. That brings a different set of aerodynamic characteristics.

"There's also a slightly shallower rear wing to reduce downforce, some changes to the front of the floor – the 'bear claws' or 'fingers' reducing from five to three – and the removal of various tricks teams have been using around the exhaust and rear wing."

Among those revisions, Newey believes the changes to the front of the floor could have the greatest impact on car design, presenting teams with an entirely new aerodynamic challenge.

He also believes Aston Martin is now in a far stronger position to exploit the regulation tweaks than it would have been just a year ago, thanks to the organisational improvements made during a difficult 2026 season.

"The key one for us is that front-of-floor change. It gives everyone a different aero challenge to solve. Because we've effectively been forced to grow up quickly as a team over the last 12 months, we're in a much better place to capitalise on the regulation changes than we would have been a year ago.

"We're a much more mature organisation now, and that leaves me very optimistic about what's to come," concluded Newey.