According to Aston Martin Formula 1 CEO Andy Cowell, Ferrari’s newly appointed Enrico Cardile is already leaving an impression on the squad’s determined 2026 endeavor.
Cardile, previously a technical director at Ferrari, officially assumed his position as Chief Technical Officer for Aston Martin at the beginning of August. This followed a mandatory 12-month leave period, which was the subject of protracted legal proceedings in Italy.
Cardile’s arrival completes the team as the Lawrence Stroll-led group assembles a collection of experts to tackle the significant F1 regulation changes coming in 2026. These changes present the ambitious team with an optimal opportunity to rise to the forefront of the sport.
Cardile is now collaborating with renowned designer Adrian Newey, who, in his role as managing technical partner, is exclusively dedicated to developing the 2026 car.
In his report on Cardile’s initial period at Aston’s Silverstone headquarters, Cowell mentioned that the extensively experienced Italian has already begun influencing the team, which has seen a rapid expansion in personnel over the past two years.
“Enrico is an exceptional person with an abundance of experience in Formula 1, encompassing both organizational methodologies and technical comprehension,” Cowell stated.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
“Although his time with us has been brief, the team can already sense the value of his expertise through the initial contributions he’s made. I am enthusiastic to see how his influence will develop as he becomes more integrated and acquainted with everyone.
“Personally, having the opportunity to collaborate with individuals like Enrico, Adrian, and all the other exceptional minds within the team, as we strive to propel Aston Martin to the pinnacle of Formula 1 racing, is incredibly exhilarating. Adrian’s presence has significantly boosted the team’s approach, and people are deriving satisfaction from their work, as they are encouraged by the results they are witnessing.”
Aston’s widely recognized prioritization of the 2026 season has led to a decline in their performance this season. However, a series of minor improvements has enabled Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to contend for higher positions in the midfield, highlighted by impressive double-points finishes in Hungary and the Netherlands.
These outcomes elevated the team past Racing Bulls and Sauber to secure sixth place. However, their pursuit of fifth-placed Williams encountered a setback during a disappointing weekend in Monza, where Alonso’s front suspension failed during the race. The team suspects that the suspension was damaged by gravel thrown up by a competing car, with the continued stress ultimately causing the component to break. Meanwhile, Williams extended their lead to 24 points, thanks to Alex Albon’s seventh-place finish.
“We will gain strength through understanding the cause of the failure. While issues are unfortunate, they provide valuable learning opportunities, and the team’s willingness to learn from them has been commendable,” Cowell commented, expressing satisfaction with the effectiveness of the limited resources invested in mid-season upgrades, including an enhanced floor and front wing.
“Considering the limited resources still dedicated to the AMR25, it is encouraging to observe how department leaders are cooperating to determine the optimal direction for development and optimization,” he added. “Naturally, we would prefer to invest more energy into the AMR25, but the majority of our time is currently focused on the 2026 car.”
“Understandably, we are concentrating on the aspects that have not progressed as expected so that we can continue to improve.”
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