Stroll Sr Warns Aston Martin Can Give Mercedes, Red Bull or Ferrari ‘a Run for Their Money’

As Aston Martin return to the sport after six decades, they’ll be hoping for a lot more success than they had in 1959 and 1960. There are a few good reasons for the team and its fans to be optimistic. They have signed a four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, and more importantly, have arguably what seems to be the third best car on the grid.

Nevertheless, that by itself doesn’t guarantee success or titles which is the aim of the team going ahead. Team owner Lawrence Stroll, being the realist he is, gave an honest idea of what he expects from his team in the coming seasons.

He said, “Do I think we can beat Mercedes? Certainly not next year. We’re all very big realists. You know, with the new rule changes in 2022, we don’t know what they will mean exactly. The intent is to bring the field closer; will it succeed?

“If it succeeds, I think we can give anybody – not only Mercedes, [but] it could be Red Bull, could be Ferrari – a run for their money.”

The team definitely showed what they were capable of last year. Under the name of Racing Point, they ended the season with 195 points and four podiums, including a race win. This was a massive jump in performance, considering they had finished the 2019 campaign with just 73 points.

What is Aston Martin F1’s aim for the 2021 season?

Stroll said, “I think the first step towards winning next year will be regularly being on the podium, winning a few races – as we saw, we were capable of doing this – then constantly knocking on the door of second.”

Consistency will be key for the Silverstone-based outfit. With Ferrari expected to be stronger this year, the mid-field battle is only expected to heat up further. Aston Martin need both their drivers firing on all cylinders and will need luck to be on their side. The latter wasn’t always in their favor in 2020.

It’s certainly exciting times ahead for the team and its fans. Can they deliver what is expected of them? Will they build on from where they left off last year? Or will the team disappoint? We’ll find out soon.