F1 News: NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon visits Aston Martin F1 team

The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team together with Official Lubricant Partner Valvoline joined forces in March to celebrate Mechanics Month, highlighting the irreplaceable skill and craftsmanship of mechanics globally.

The month’s activities culminated in a visit to the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone by Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Hendrick Motorsport Vice Chairman where he visited an F1 campus for the first time.

Now in its sixth year, Mechanics Month aims to celebrate the often-unsung heroes of the mobility industry. This year’s theme, ‘The Future is in Your Hands’ honors and champions the hands that shape tomorrow, emphasizing mechanics irreplaceable role in driving progress and innovation, both within Formula One™ and in the wider global mobility sector.

Aston Martin Aramco and Valvoline Global teamed up for multiple activations in March, including the Valvoline Global Aspiring Mechanics Program, which returned for a second year. Run in collaboration with Milton Keynes College, the program allows students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and mentorship.

50 design and mechanics students from the college were invited to visit the AMR Technology Campus, meeting key members of the Aston Martin Aramco team and taking part in fireside chats, masterclasses and tours of the facilities. Students also took part in a competition, with the winner receiving a week’s immersion session working alongside the F1 Evolution Team and seeing their livery designs come to life.

This year, the team and Valvoline Global also launched an Aspiring Females Mechanics Program, which worked with Milton Keynes College and other local schools to deliver cross-curriculum workshops tailored towards a female audience, to showcase the variety of careers within the world of motorsport. The numbers of girls who would now consider a career as a mechanic increased by 21% after just one workshop.

At the track, ‘The Future is in Your Hands’ branding adorned the gloves of the race team’s pit crew at pre-season testing in Bahrain, as well as the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix. Alongside this, Aston Martin Aramco mechanics featured heavily in social content, showcasing the wide range of roles within the team. Valvoline Global and Aston Martin Aramco will continue to support mechanics throughout the season and beyond.

Mark Gray, Head of Build & Car Assembly at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, stated: “We are proud to continue supporting Valvoline Global’s Mechanics Month initiative. Mechanics play a crucial role in our sport—without them, racing wouldn’t be possible. It was a pleasure to welcome students from Milton Keynes College, give them a behind-the-scenes look at our work, and hopefully inspire the next generation of mechanics, whether in Formula 1 or the broader mobility industry.”

Jamal Muashsher, CEO, Valvoline Global™ Operations, said: “At Valvoline Global, we are passionate about celebrating the contributions of mechanics worldwide. Our collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco on the Mechanics Month initiative champions the hands-on work of mechanics both within Formula 1 and beyond. By providing students with mentorship and resources, we help bridge the global skills gap and support the next generation in building successful careers. These young mechanics will drive the future of the industry, tackle evolving challenges, and may even become the elite engineers behind Aston Martin Aramco’s success”

Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, Hendrick Motorsport, said: “This is my first visit to an F1 campus, and it’s really fascinating to see the differences and similarities with NASCAR. One clear commonality is the vital role of mechanics. As drivers, we rely on their expertise and trust, just as they rely on our feedback. Motorsport isn’t an individual sport – it’s built on teamwork and relationships. Every mechanic is crucial to the success, and that trust is what makes this sport so special.”