Team principal Mike Krack has made it clear that Aston Martin cannot afford to wait for the arrival of renowned technical expert Adrian Newey in 2025.
The team had appeared to be on a strong trajectory early last season, especially with Fernando Alonso securing multiple podium finishes. However, their progress has since stalled, leaving Aston Martin positioned as the 'best of the rest' behind McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
"The worst title you can give us is 'best of the rest,'" Krack told Auto Motor und Sport.
Krack emphasized the need for Aston Martin to step up their performance right away - both for the remainder of 2024 and in preparation for 2025.
Newey, who is currently on 'gardening leave' after leaving Red Bull, is set to join the team next March.
However, Krack has no tolerance for team members who might adopt a 'wait for Newey' attitude.
"If I see something like that, they won't be around for much longer," he warned. "First, we have to show Adrian what we are capable of. That should actually serve as motivation for all of us."
Even Newey, 65, is unsure how quickly he will be able to make an impact at Aston Martin.
"To be honest, I don't know the answer to that question either, until I start," Newey told motorsport-total.com.
"Of course, we want to do well in 2025, but for me, it's primarily about learning how to work with everyone and understanding how to get the best out of the team. Everything else will come later."
"There is little point in making predictions," Newey added.
It's clear that Aston Martin is already looking ahead to 2026, when Newey's first design will be coupled with significant regulatory changes and the introduction of Honda-powered engines.
"The aerodynamic regulations for 2026 will be announced on 1 or 2 January 2025," Newey said.
"I will start about two months after that announcement, so I will have to get going as quickly as possible."
"The 2026 regulations offer opportunities because it will be a reset for everyone, but we simply don't know if it will work in our favour."
Fernando Alonso, who hasn't won a championship in nearly 20 years, has signed with Aston Martin through the end of the 2026 season.
"At the moment, it's not in my plans," Alonso said at a recent sponsor event when asked if he might return to the Indy 500.
"I'm very, very focused on Formula 1 now," the Spaniard added. "Over the next two or three years, I want to win the third world title. This is my first and only priority at the moment. And then, because I'll be 45, 46, we'll see when the time comes how I'm going," Alonso smiled.
