Aston Martin targets total reset with "completely new" 2027 challenger

•September 21, 2026•News, Formula 1

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Enrico Cardile has signaled a bold strategic shift, declaring that the team’s AMR27 will be a “completely new car” for the 2027 Formula 1 season. While the project is expected to conceptually evolve from the current chassis, the technical department is approaching the 2027 regulation changes with a clean-slate mindset.

Learning from a Challenging Campaign

The team’s transition into the 2026 era—marked by the arrival of Adrian Newey and the switch to Honda power—has proven difficult. Currently sitting 10th in the Constructors’ standings with just three points to their name, the squad is focused on extracting every ounce of intelligence from their current running.

Recent technical updates, including the B-spec car introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Honda engine upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix, have provided glimpses of potential. Stroll: Aston Martin’s Hungary upgrade is an AMR26 ultimatum previously highlighted the importance of these developments, and now that focus shifts toward the long-term horizon.

Speaking to the team's official website, Cardile emphasized that while the team is following a specific direction, they are not tethered to it. “We’re on the right path now, but we’re not tied to it,” Cardile explained. “When it comes to tackling the ’27 project, we haven’t placed any constraints on ourselves in terms of trying to carry anything over from the previous car.”

Navigating the 2027 Regulation Shifts

The 2027 technical regulations will see a departure from the current 50:50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, alongside significant aerodynamic adjustments.

Cardile noted that the primary objective for the remainder of this year is to use 2026 as a data-gathering exercise. “Our task now is to extract as much information as we can from 2026 because all of that will guide the 2027 project,” he stated.

The upcoming changes present a massive aerodynamic puzzle. Key adjustments include:

Power Unit: A 5% increase in fuel allowance and refined energy deployment.
Chassis Aero: A significant move of the floor's leading edge (the 'bib' or 'tea tray') by 300mm, allowing for a lower car height.
Rear Aerodynamics: A shallower rear wing designed to reduce downforce.
Floor Details: A reduction in the number of 'bear claws' or 'fingers' from five to three.

For Cardile, the front-of-floor evolution is the most critical hurdle. He remains highly optimistic, noting that the team’s rapid maturation over the last year has positioned them to better capitalize on these sweeping regulatory changes.