Andy Cowell on the changing trends of Formula One's fanbase, Enrico Cardile's arrival, and the end of the European season
This week we're on the cusp of two continents. Straddling western Asia and eastern Europe, surrounded by the Caspian sea and the Caucasus mountains, it's all eyes on Azerbaijan as we arrive in its capital, Baku.
In the wing mirrors, Grand Prix racing's traditional heartlands of Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, Monte-Carlo et al. On the horizon, a destination that's become one of the sport's most popular modern venues – an unpredictable thrill ride of a circuit that's provided many a contemporary classic.
The flyaways are back. Aston Martin Aramco CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell discusses that and some of the bigger stories around the sport and our team right now.
Formula One is constantly evolving and recently there's been a spotlight on how young people are consuming the sport. What's your view on how it can continue to cater for these changing trends?
"As an industry and sport we shouldn't take the approach of, 'We've always done things one way and therefore that's the way it's always going to be.' We should be open to change while pointing out potential implications and consequences.
"Our viewpoint is we're open to doing what fans want and trying to deliver the best racing we can.
"It's the fans in the grandstands and at home that we're entertaining, so we have to ask ourselves what they like and adapt progressively with our eyes open."
In terms of on-track matters, the traditional European leg of the season has concluded. What are your reflections on the team's performance through this period?
"The results that we've seen on the track since we introduced our update package in Imola have been largely positive, and thereafter we've enhanced that further with elements such as a new front wing.
"There's been a collective, thorough approach across the team to devise and produce the updates and then to maximise the performance of the car.
"Naturally, we're focused on the bits that have not gone so well so we can keep improving. Despite showing some promising pace, the end result in Monza last time out was disappointing, but we'll become stronger through understanding that.
"Issues are painful, but they provide opportunity to learn and the willingness from the team to do so has been great."
What can you reveal about our recent work on next year's car?
"We're working exceptionally closely with our technical partners Aramco, Honda, and Valvoline as we push hard towards next season.
"Managing Technical Partner Adrian Newey has added a big lift to the approach the team is taking and people are enjoying their work; they're smiling at the results they're seeing.
"We're focusing on what we can do day by day to make sure that the performance of the AMR26 is as strong as possible, but also on how we can keep improving everything we have at our disposal."
Enrico Cardile has recently joined the team as Chief Technical Officer. What can you tell us about his start to life at Aston Martin Aramco?
"Enrico is a wonderful human being with a wealth of experience in Formula One, both in terms of organisational methods and technical understanding.
"He's not been with us for long, but the team can feel that experience already through the early impact he's had, and I'm excited to see how that develops further as he fully embeds himself and gets to know everyone."
Finally, what are the opportunities and challenges we'll face this weekend racing in Baku?
"Baku is a completely unique circuit and we're looking forward to heading there once more.
"Sector One feels like an '80s computer game with its series of 90-degree turns, Sector Two goes through the historic part of the city and is incredibly tight, and Sector Three is flat out with the longest straight in Formula One, with cars often three abreast going into Turn One.
"Despite the good overtaking opportunities into that first corner, Baku is still a street circuit and so Qualifying well on Saturday will be key.
"Our performance has been solid in several Qualifying sessions recently, but past form is no guarantee of future success. We've optimised well in those sessions, executing our run plans and tyre usage cleverly, and that's something to aim to continue this weekend."
