Aston Martin is looking to get more engaged in Formula One after its management made a statement at the recent Singapore F1 race. Aston Martin, a 104-year-old company, last competed in Formula One in 1960. Red Bull and Aston Martin have an existing relationship, with the team’s racecars carrying branding for the marque since last year.
Top designer Adrian Newey, whose Renault-powered Red Bull racecars won four successive drivers’ and constructors’ titles between 2010-13, has worked with Aston Martin on the AM-RB 001 Valkyrie supercar.
Palmer, who is a former Nissan executive, was a key figure in negotiating a similar deal for the Japanese manufacturer’s Infiniti brand, which has now gone to the Renault works team, to partner Red Bull.
The British-based team currently use Renault engines, branded Tag Heuer. Formula One, under new management since U.S.-based Liberty Media took over in January, and the sport governing body, FIA, are looking at what sort of unit will power the series once the current agreement expires in 2020.
The aim is to bring down costs and allow a cheaper and less complex engine than the current 1.6-liter V-6 turbo hybrid power units, one that could also encourage new manufacturers into the sport.
