Formula 1 Las Vegas GP
"Performace-based" reasons cited for Fallows' exit from Aston Martin
Technical director Fallows is leaving his role this month
Jake Boxall-Legge Ruben Zimmermann
Published: Nov 21, 2024, 7:59 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Dan Fallows, Technical Director, Aston Martin F1 Team
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Dan Fallows' removal as technical director at Aston Martin came as the team hadn't matched its expectations for 2024, according to performance director Tom McCullough.
McCullough noted the ex-Red Bull aerodynamicist's contributions after joining Aston Martin in 2022, which carried into 2023 as the team made a concerted leap from F1's midfield to podium contention.
However, results tailed off toward the latter half of last season, and Aston Martin made limited progress over the winter as it has largely assumed a lonely vigil in fifth place in the constructors' championship.
After a series of high-profile technical hires, including the signing of Adrian Newey (his arrival expected in March 2025) and the addition of ex-Ferrari chassis lead Enrico Cardile, it was also decided that Fallows would be moved elsewhere within Aston Martin's hierarchy.
"The performance of the team this year hasn't been at the level that we've all been wanting it to be at. So we haven't quite delivered there. And that's basically been a decision made by the team," McCullough said.
"I sat next to Dan for the last two or three years since he's been here, working closely with him, he had a really big impact on the development of the '22 car, the '23 car, he's brought a lot to the team, to be honest.
"From that side, it's been good fun working with him. But ultimately during '24, we haven't delivered on track to the level that we know we're expecting to and wanting to do.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24
Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images
"The development of these cars has been hard and ultimately it's a performance-based industry, isn't it? And the team's made the decision to make some changes."
McCullough later explained that he felt the team had been able to get its head around the difficulties presented by the AMR24, and was confident the team would be in a much better place for 2025.
He added that both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll had been consistent in their feedback of the current car, and understood their struggles to cope with a drop in performance this year.
"I really do think [we've got a handle on the car], but the proof of that pudding's in the eating, isn't it? So, you know, living in a CFD and Wind Tunnel world is one thing; I think that side of things is progressing reasonably well.
"It's a relative game. So until that car hits the track and you see what it does in reality you don't know for sure.
"But I do think the learning we've been through this year is putting us in a good place, but obviously we're wanting to have that a bit earlier in all reality.
Read Also:
"I think the two drivers are pretty aligned in their feedback and the limitations of the car. I think they're both wanting a more performant car, they want to be fighting for points week in, week out, and at the top end for points.
"And when we don't give them a car that can do that, they're never happy, and we understand it's difficult.
"We have a lot of meetings with the drivers, either online or at the factory, explaining to them what we're doing, why we're doing, what we've found. Just keeping them in the loop so they understand, I think is important."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Russell says F1 drivers "fed up with whole situation" after GPDA letter
Next article Tsunoda explains US customs ordeal after he "nearly got sent back home"
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jake Boxall-Legge
Ayao Komatsu: Rafael Camara chosen for F1 2027 seat on speed, not Ferrari links
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
Ayao Komatsu: Rafael Camara chosen for F1 2027 seat on speed, not Ferrari links
More from
Aston Martin Racing
The six drivers doing double duty in Portimao GTWCE and Barcelona WEC this weekend
WEC
WEC
Barcelona
The six drivers doing double duty in Portimao GTWCE and Barcelona WEC this weekend
“Even faster than Ferrari” – Fernando Alonso grabs Aston Martin’s best result of F1 2026
Formula 1
Formula 1
Bahrain GP in Malaysia
“Even faster than Ferrari” – Fernando Alonso grabs Aston Martin’s best result of F1 2026
Latest news
Kaden Honeycutt wins incident-free Phoenix NASCAR Truck race, extends points lead
NASCAR Truck
NSTR NASCAR Truck
Phoenix
1 h
Kaden Honeycutt wins incident-free Phoenix NASCAR Truck race, extends points lead
GTA VI 'Vice City' blimp to appear at NASCAR championship weekend
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
6 h
GTA VI 'Vice City' blimp to appear at NASCAR championship weekend
Verstappen Racing struggles to 15th as Porsche takes emotional Portimao pole
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
WCEE GT World Challenge Europe Endurance 7 h
Verstappen Racing struggles to 15th as Porsche takes emotional Portimao pole
Franco Colapinto urges fans to stop the abuse: “You’re not helping me or my future”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
11 h
Franco Colapinto urges fans to stop the abuse: “You’re not helping me or my future”
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe