Aston Martin to produce its own gearbox and suspension by 2026

In 2020, the Racing Point team was nicknamed the Pink Mercedes. Since becoming Aston Martin in 2021, the team has been looking to distance itself as much as possible from the star brand starting in 2026. The British team has been using power units from the German manufacturer since the 2009 season, when it was known as Force India.

At the time when the new engine regulation will begin, Aston Martin will be supplied by Honda for the power units. However, the team wants to become even more independent by building their own suspension and gearbox, currently bought from Mercedes.

« All of this is in full swing now

The different teams are not allowed to work on the 2026 race car before January 1, 2025, because in addition to the engine, the chassis will also be subject to new regulations. According to Dan Fallows, technical director at Aston Martin, the team will be able to build its own suspensions and gearbox for the first year of this new regulation.

Of course, 2026 is a huge effort. In many ways, the fact that we are not allowed to start developing the aerodynamics until January of next year means that we don’t have to think about it too much right now. Of course, we still have a few things to do before then. It’s an interesting challenge for everyone to see how much time you will spend in the next two years and for 2026, explains Dan Fallows.

We are not a team that is currently developing its own gearbox and rear suspension. So, this is something that we have to develop in-house. But all of this is in full swing now. This is what we are currently working on. And as soon as the aerodynamic regulations are finalized, we will be able to take them into account and, of course, allocate resources to them as well, declares the Briton.

While waiting for 2026, Aston Martin plans to continue its progression after finishing in a commendable 5th place among constructors last season.