Haas, Ford, and Aston Martin Prepare For The Future

Aston Martin and DPK Racing Team Up for Future F1 Stars

Aston Martin’s Driver Academy just got a major boost with a new partnership with DPK Racing, which is the official team of the FA Alonso Kart chassis. The move links Aston Martin directly with Fernando Alonso’s karting team, creating a streamlined development path for the next wave of young drivers for its newly created driver academy.

“Our Driver Academy gives us the opportunity to shape the next generation of drivers, helping them grow into the complete package,” said Aston Martin F1's Andy Cowell. From physical training and media coaching to simulator sessions and trackside mentoring, the Academy promises a comprehensive program. And with DPK Racing involved, it also taps into the karting legacy of two-time F1 champion Alonso, a natural connection for a team carrying his name.

The partnership follows the recent signing of 21-year-old Spanish driver Mari Boya to the Aston Martin Driver Academy. A three-time Spanish karting champion and current F3 driver with Campos Racing, Boya called it a “dream come true.” He’ll now gain access to the AMR Technology Campus and lean on mentors like Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Pedro de la Rosa. Boya’s goal? “To repay the team’s trust with strong performances.” And with this partnership, he won’t be the last.

DJR Steps Back, Triple Eight Takes Over Ford’s Engine Program

On the Supercars side, major changes are underway behind the scenes. Ford’s engine program will soon be led by Triple Eight Race Engineering (Red Bull Ampol Racing), as DJR (Dick Johnson Racing) hands off both its engine supply and homologation team duties. The shift ends a complicated saga that included millions of dollars in investment from DJR after purchasing the Ford engine business from Herrod Performance in late 2023.

While Ford’s commitment to Supercars was once in doubt, the manufacturer now appears locked in, with a long-term deal in place and Triple Eight planning to roll out its first Mustang prototypes for 2026 testing later this year. DJR, meanwhile, sees this as a much-needed reset, a chance to refocus on performance after spreading itself thin during Gen3 development.

The handover begins next week, with staff shifting back into DJR’s race operations and crucial technical data moving to Triple Eight. Officially, Triple Eight becomes Ford’s homologation team starting in 2026, but they’re already hard at work shaping the future of the Mustang on the grid. And we could see a Triple Eight Ford before 2025 ends!

Haas and Toyota Bringing F1 to Fuji with Tsuboi and Hirakawa

In another nod to the future, Haas F1 and Toyota Gazoo Racing are teaming up for a two-day Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) event at Fuji Speedway next month. While Ryo Hirakawa returns for another session on August 6, it’s Sho Tsuboi who will make debut on August 7 with his first-ever F1 test in a Haas VF-23. Tsuboi is not a rookie in racing, he’s the reigning Super Formula and three-time Super GT champion, but this marks his first taste of F1 machinery. Fans will be allowed to attend, and the test underscores the growing partnership between Haas and Toyota, which began last October.

Sho Tsuboi

“This is part of our effort to develop people drivers, engineers, and mechanics alike,” said Toyota Global Motorsport director Masaya Kaji. The sessions will also provide a learning platform for Toyota engineers, who will be embedded with the Haas team throughout the test.

According to Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, “The significance of running our car at Toyota’s home circuit and giving Sho Tsuboi his first outing, is equally satisfying.” With more talent and tech flowing between Japan and Formula 1, this partnership could be key to unlocking future success for both Haas and Toyota on the global stage.