Lawrence Stroll is determined to make Aston Martin the best team in F1 over the next few years, and he has spared no expense to achieve this. The Canadian magnate has built a new factory in Silverstone and equipped it with the most advanced technological tools in F1.
But these tools need the best people to operate them, which is why they have also spared no expense in hiring some of the best professionals and engineers in the sport. It seemed that the team was already complete, but Aston Martin has surprised everyone with a new signing, Duncan Elliott, another engineer who comes from Mercedes. Duncan Elliott joins Aston Martin
Aston Martin has confirmed the arrival of Duncan Elliott, another highly regarded engineer in the F1 paddock who joins from Mercedes. He will be the new team principal for Fernando Alonso. The new engineer has extensive experience in F1, having spent 14 years designing composite materials for the German team. He was also a member of Honda F1 and experienced the changeover to Brawn GP.
His LinkedIn profile describes him as follows: “Professional with solid experience in engineering design, specializing in composite materials design, suspension design, transmission systems, project management, chassis design, and mechanical engineering.”
Under Andy Cowell
Duncan Elliott will report to Andy Cowell and will be one of the team principal’s right-hand men, after the two shared a garage during their time at Mercedes. It is hoped that, with his knowledge, Aston Martin can move closer to the team’s main goal for 2026, which is none other than to establish itself as a major force in F1.
Aston Martin’s goal
We are reaching the halfway point of the 2025 season, and although work is still ongoing to improve this year, all the work being done is geared towards 2026. The team has almost all its resources focused on next season, on making the new car compliant with new regulations that pose a challenge of unprecedented magnitude. With changes in the size and weight of the cars, changes in aerodynamics, and changes in the power unit, this is a major challenge where manufacturers will have to find the most power with an engine that runs on electrification and sustainable fuel.
Aston Martin is confident, as the team’s CEO pointed out in recent statements, commenting on the good progress made since Silverstone and Japan, where Honda is finalizing the power unit. There are just over six months to go before the new cars take to the track. In the meantime, the race is being fought in the factories.
And in this regard, Aston Martin seems to want to stand out: the arrival of Duncan Elliott from Mercedes is further proof that the team is going all out, that it is not going to hold anything back, and that it is seeking, at all costs, to become one of the best teams in F1, in what could be Fernando Alonso’s last chance to win his third race as a driver. The Asturian is one of those who has the most confidence in the project, and these years of waiting could culminate in a season in which he returns to the top of the podium.