Aston Martin is looking to maximize every technical detail as they head into the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay. The night race in Formula 1 is an extreme challenge for cars, drivers, and engineers. The team’s new technical director, Enrico Cardile, has shared his first impressions since joining Aston Martin.
According to Cardile, his role is still one of strategic observation and learning. “I’m new to the team, so I’m in a phase of understanding how we operate, what we do well, and where there’s room for optimization,” he stated.
Cardile’s arrival comes at a time of transition for Formula 1, with new technical regulations expected in 2026. As a result, he explains that he is using the remainder of the 2025 season as a laboratory. “I want to see how the tools we have behave under real racing conditions and how we can extract their full potential. This planning will be crucial for the next few years.”
From a technical standpoint, the team believes that the AMR25 should adapt relatively well to the Marina Bay circuit, which demands high aerodynamic load, a characteristic that favors the current performance of the car driven by Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. Although Cardile emphasizes that it will only be possible to confirm the team’s competitive pace after the first free practice sessions, the expectation is positive.
“Circuits like Spa, Baku, and Monza, which require lower aerodynamic load, were more challenging for us. In Spa, for example, the car struggled to handle corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon, where it’s necessary to maintain a minimum floor height to avoid touching the ground — which compromises performance a lot,” explained the technical director.
Thermal management will be a decisive factor in Singapore. Cardile details that to control the temperature of the components, the team can opt to open up the air outlets on the engine cover and sidepods, as well as use larger brake ducts, since the circuit requires frequent and intense braking. However, each of these measures compromises aerodynamic performance, increasing drag and reducing straight-line speed. “It’s a fine line between keeping the car cool and preserving efficiency,” he summarizes.
Beyond component wear, the night race is also known for pushing drivers to their limits. Cardile highlights that hydration is fundamental. “It’s a really demanding weekend, physically and mentally, for the drivers. And also very intense for everyone on the team, both at the track and at the base. But at the same time, it’s one of the most exciting events of the year and an incredible spectacle under the lights,” he concluded.
Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors’ championship, with 62 points, 10 fewer than Racing Bulls, who are in sixth place. The team has seen Sauber close in, with 55 points accumulated in eighth place.
Follow all the details of the F1 race at Marina Bay on RallyBuzz, with real-time updates, exclusive analysis, and behind-the-scenes coverage directly from the paddock.
