Aston Martin: Balancing 2025 reality with 'back-to-back' title goal

Written by Kavi Khandelwal

Aston Martin is a team defined by a stark duality. On one side, the drivers are grappling with the immediate reality of an "up and down season" in 2025. On the other, the leadership is boldly promising a future of "back-to-back" championships.

Credit: Formula One

This season's challenge are clear and present. The team's drivers have painted a picture of a difficult campaign where progress has been hard-won and rivals have been relentless.

"There are some tracks where the car comes alive, but the last few events have been more challenging for us," driver Lance Stroll explained.

He pointed to the sport's relentless development pace, noting: "No one stands still in this sport, other teams have brought upgrades."

Stroll has been candid about his own difficulties, mentioning that he has "never felt 100% comfortable in this year's car".

He elaborated on the crucial but elusive connection between driver and machine: "Some seasons, you have cars - you just have a better harmony, better chemistry and it feels more natural to drive."

This sentiment has also been reflected in the team's recent results.

Fernando Alonso was forced to park his car in Mexico City with overheating brakes, despite a strong points-scoring streak after upgrades in Barcelona.

Short-term hopes, long-term ambition

Alonso remains a determined optimist, setting his sights on the upcoming Brazil weekend, despite the recent setback at the previous race weekend.

"I prefer to be positive on the weekend," Alonso stated. "Brazil has always been a good track for overtaking and providing a good show, offering opportunities for the midfield teams. We know that it's a sprint weekend which normally we can take advantage as well and we will give it all!"

However, this race-by-race fight for points stands in sharp contrast to the grand vision being laid out by the team's leadership.

Credit: Formula One

While the drivers battle in the midfield, Aston Martin Team Principal and CEO Andy Cowell is planning for total domination. In a recent interview, Cowell was "adamant" about the team's ultimate goal, setting what he calls a "Big Hairy Audacious Goal" (BHAG).

That goal? "To win multiple championships, back-to-back."

Cowell, who is overseeing a massive investment in new facilities, a state-of-the-art wind tunnel and high-profile technical signings, is unequivocal in his belief. "That's what we're striving to do," he said. "And yes, it will happen."

Despite the confidence of the team principal, Aston Martin's aerodynamics director, Eric Blandlin, among other several senior engineers have set to leave the team in a move designed by new tech chief Adrian Newey.

For Aston Martin, the 2025 season may be a challenging chapter, but in the eyes of its team principal, it is merely the opening act for a future championship-winning dynasty. Will this restructuring of leadership provide the foundation the team needs?