Aston Martin's Departure of Key Technical Staff

Aston Martin Formula 1 is executing a targeted overhaul of its technical department, with up to seven senior aerodynamics and car design specialists set to depart in the coming weeks, as confirmed by multiple sources including RacingNews365 and The Race. This reshuffle, spearheaded by Adrian Newey (pictured) in his role as managing technical partner, underscores a performance-driven pivot ahead of the transformative 2026 regulations.

High-profile exits include aerodynamics director Eric Blandin, who joined in 2022 from senior roles at Mercedes and Ferrari to work under ex-technical director Dan Fallows (who left earlier in 2025), and former chief designer Akio Haga. The departures stem from a “gap analysis” led by Newey and newly appointed chief technical officer Enrico Cardile, aimed at refocusing priorities, bolstering simulation capabilities, and dismantling organizational silos to sharpen collaboration around the race car.

Team principal Andy Cowell highlighted Newey’s influence, noting, “Adrian has been able to do the gap analysis by providing the target point, and therefore then you know the journey that needs to be taken,” while emphasizing a renewed “pure focus on what we’re all here for: the race car.” A team spokesman declined to comment on internal staffing, but ongoing talks could see some leavers transition to non-F1 roles within the broader Aston Martin group or seek opportunities elsewhere.

Adrian Newey, Managing Technical Partner of Aston Martin F1 Team talks with Andy Cowell, Team Principal and Group CEO at Aston Martin F1 Team during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 22, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images for Aston Martin)

The changes comply rigorously with F1’s cost cap, mandating that outgoing personnel be fully detached from racing operations—no reallocations to the advanced technologies division for indirect F1 contributions.

To fortify the revamped structure, Newey and Cardile (who starts officially in August after extended gardening leave from Ferrari) are integrating fresh talent: Gioacchino “Jack” Vino as chief aerodynamicist and Giles Wood— a former Red Bull lieutenant under Newey—as director of simulation and vehicle modeling. This blend of proven expertise positions Aston Martin for a competitive surge in the 2026 era, transforming overhaul into opportunity.