Aston Martin currently has a contract with Mercedes to use its power units in motorsport’s top flight, a deal that has lasted since 2009 when the team was run by Force India.
However, a new generation of engines will arrive in Formula 1 in 2026 to create a reset. Red Bull, for example, has already created its own power unit division with a view to building its own engines and thus having full control over its own destiny.
Mike Krack , who started working for the Silverstone outfit last week, said Aston Martin was considering following a similar route to the Austrian outfit.
“The first thing I want to say is that we are happy with the engine supplier (Mercedes) that we currently have.”
“We also have a new set of rules that will come into effect in 2026. Focusing more obviously on electric power.”
“I think it’s normal for brands like Aston Martin that if there are new rules for power units, we look at them and investigate if making a move would be strategically the right thing to do.”
“I think that’s the way F1 is going, to have a more hybrid or electric relevance. I’ve been involved with BMW on both. Formula E is fully electric, the Hypercars were hybrids, similar to what we have now in F1, although Not the same, I have to say.”
Mike Krack, Aston Martin Formula 1 Team Principal
Aware that time is not on their side, Krack acknowledged that any decision on whether or not to create their own F1 power unit for 2026 would have to be made soon.
“Now we are in 2022 and the deadlines are reasonable to arrive prepared for 2026, because we know that there are also other teams that are evaluating whether to take the same path.
“So looking at it from the timeline, it’s reasonable now to make the decision to be on the grid in 2026 with your own engine, I think it’s the right time to look at it.
In closing, Mike Krack explained that the team right now has what it takes to become a title contender in the future.
“The infrastructure change we’re doing is incredible, it’s the first totally new F1 venue being built, I think, in the last 19 years or so.
“We’ll have the latest technology, something that shows the ambition of Lawrence [Stroll] and in turn the whole team.”
“So yes, it’s a five-year plan, we’ll have everything it takes to be successful in F1 and progress on our journey,” the Aston Martin man concluded.
