Aston Martin has started work on a new Formula 1 factory and wind tunnel that team owner Lawrence Stroll said underscores his commitment to the sport and his goal of competing for the world championship over the next three to five years .
The Canadian billionaire told reporters the Silverstone factory and “campus” would cost £ 150 to £ 200 million ($ 207 to $ 276 million) and would be the most sustainable in Formula One.
The facility across from the British Grand Prix circuit is expected to be completed in late 2022 or early 2023 with space for 1,000 people.
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McLaren’s Norman Foster-designed Woking headquarters, which opened in 2004, is the newest F1 factory to be built in the UK, but Stroll said he would be very different from that.
“It will be the only one that does its job perfectly, taking into account the financial regulations (cost cap),” said Stroll, whose son Lance drives for the team.
“It shows my faith in the team, it confirms my ambitions and it confirms my belief in Formula 1, because that is really an investment in Formula 1 too.
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“This is a building that will truly represent our image, our culture and our DNA.”
Formula 1 is considering banning wind tunnels for aerodynamic development and testing, but Stroll doubted that would happen, saying that even if it did, it wouldn’t be until 2030.
“We believe it is a worthwhile investment that will have seven to eight years to use before a decision is made. Personally, I don’t think wind tunnels will go away,” he said.
Stroll said the Aston Martin road car design team will stay at the British sports car maker’s Gaydon site.
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