Aston Martin boss Mike Krack argued that “nothing can go wrong” in the 2026 Formula 1 season with “Yoda” Adrian Newey on board.
Aston Martin found itself in a development slump in 2024, sliding down the pecking order and amassing just 94 points en route to fifth in the Constructors’ standings.
Scoring 186 fewer points than in 2023 shows Aston is trending in the wrong direction but there are positive signs on the horizon for the Silverstone-based outfit in 2025.
The team’s new wind tunnel comes online in the new year and in the coming months, Chief Technical Officer Enrico Cardile and Managing Technical Partner Newey will come on board.
With those pieces in place, Krack is confident that 2026 will be a success for Aston Martin when responding to a fan question on the team’s YouTube channel likening Newey to Star Wars Jedi Master Yoda.
“I think Adrian will be the force to bring us forward, but I like the analogy [to Yoda],” Krack said.
“The new simulator is really like Star Wars.
“All in all, I think it’s a great step forward for us. And once it is fully in use, I think it will be a great benefit.”
Krack added that the team is “trying to balance 2025 and 2026 [development] as much as we can.
“At the moment, it’s full steam ahead with 2025 but with an eye on 2026,” he explained.
“And we will have Yoda soon helping us and his force, so nothing can go wrong for 2026.”
Aston Martin trying to turn fortunes around with Alonso
One crucial factor in Aston’s plans for success is tying Fernando Alonso down to a multi-year contract extension.
That means the veteran Spaniard will be able to utilise the AMR26 developed by Newey, Cardile and company in the new wind tunnel.
Alonso joined Aston Martin in 2023 and life started brilliantly with six podiums in eight races before the slump began.
Alonso’s podium successes came with chants of “Oh Fernando Alonso” from his Aston Martin team members last year and Krack wants the squad to return to this type of form.
“Unfortunately, this year we did not have much to sing about and that is not good,” he said.
“We introduced that [song] last year. I remember very well, at the first race.
“So let’s try to do our best so that we can cheer and sing that song again.”
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