Aston Martin Targets Former Red Bull Designer Craig Skinner

Aston Martin is reportedly seeking to recruit former Red Bull designer Craig Skinner as part of its ongoing efforts to revamp the team. This potential move could reunite Skinner with Adrian Newey, Aston Martin’s team principal, as discussions about the team’s performance continue to intensify ahead of the new season.

Recent pre-season testing raised concerns about Honda‘s engine performance, particularly in the context of the AMR26’s design. Observations from the Bahrain sessions highlighted potential weaknesses in Newey’s design approach, with critics suggesting that Honda’s capacity for enhancements is limited by the compact packaging of the car. This topic remains a focal point of debate as the season draws closer.

The AMR26 is equipped with a significant number of cooling vents, far exceeding those used by rival teams. This has sparked speculation regarding whether Newey’s bold design choices are leading to overheating challenges. Bringing Skinner back could provide a balance to the design team, especially given his established working relationship with Newey.

Skinner’s departure from Red Bull has been confirmed, where he had contributed significantly since 2006, participating in the design of eight championship-winning vehicles from 2010 to 2024. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he is expected to undergo at least six months of gardening leave, reminiscent of Newey’s own transition to Aston Martin in September 2024.

Aston Martin has made several high-profile additions in recent months. Alongside Newey, the team brought on board Enrico Cardile, formerly Ferrari’s technical director, and Dan Fallows, another ex-Red Bull aerodynamicist. Andy Cowell, known for his tenure as head of Mercedes’ power unit program, also joined the team. Cowell briefly held the role of team principal in 2025 before a power struggle with Newey led to a reassignment as chief strategic officer.

Despite these investments, Aston Martin’s performance under new regulations has been lackluster, prompting questions about the effectiveness of their recruitment strategy. The team’s slow start raises concerns about whether these high-profile hires were thoughtfully planned or merely reactive decisions in response to immediate challenges.

There are increasing doubts regarding Cowell’s future with Aston Martin, as reports indicate he may depart by the end of 2026, despite owner Lawrence Stroll‘s desire to retain him. With significant financial resources poured into recruitment, Stroll’s leadership strategy is under scrutiny. Observers suggest that stepping back could allow existing personnel the opportunity to rectify the team’s current trajectory rather than risking further instability.

As Aston Martin navigates these complex dynamics, the potential addition of Skinner reflects a broader ambition to enhance competitiveness in the Formula 1 landscape. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these strategic moves yield the desired results.