Aston Martin took advantage of its new Silverstone site to build a completely new wind tunnel, without cutting any corners. It is expected to be ready for the 2026 car model, with aero testing allowed to begin on January 1 under the new regulations.

Until now, the team has been using Mercedes’ wind tunnel, which is always a bit unfortunate because it comes with time and other limitations, but nothing that should have a long-term impact on Aston Martin.

While Aston Martin achieved eight podium finishes in 2023, they have yet to secure any podiums this year. The team currently sits fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, with their best result being a fifth-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

However, the Team Principal, Mike Krack, stated that the team can’t use a shared wind tunnel as ‘an excuse’ for this year’s struggles.

“I think that would be too easy of an excuse,” Krack told Motorsport.com.

“We have another team using the same wind tunnel with less time. So this is not an excuse.”

However, when asked if it may have slightly affected the performance, he admitted the possibility.

“That's possible, but still, we are quite far behind that team. So it's maybe a factor for them.

“It's maybe a factor for us, but I think with the same tool, we could do better.”

Aston Martin's star, Fernando Alonso, emphasized the team's future potential in Formula 1, particularly in light of the recent changes.

“I think we have quite good things coming in the next few months in the team, especially the wind tunnel. I would say that is a game-changer for us," he told F1 official channel.

“We are using now Mercedes’ wind tunnel and obviously limited on time, limited when in the week they allowed us to go there and things. So I think to have our own wind tunnel and use [it] wisely during the week, in the moments that are needed, I think that will be a huge step forward.

“And I think the factory as well, we cannot forget Aston Martin [as they were] two years ago, still on a very small building from Racing Point, Force India. And now, we [have] double the personnel and we have this new facility.

“So, step by step, we have all [we need] to have that first race win and hopefully [we will be] fighting for championships in the future. I'm aware that this takes time, and I don't have that time in a way. But I'm relaxed and I'm enjoying the journey,” Alonso concluded.

Aston Martin drew attention earlier in September by announcing that Adrian Newey has signed a long-term contract to become their new Managing Technical Partner. He is expected to join the team on March 1 next year, signaling a promising future for the Silverstone-based squad.