via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Racing Point’s Sergio Perez sprays sparkling wine as he celebrates winning the race on the podium with third placed Lance Stroll Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Racing Point’s Sergio Perez sprays sparkling wine as he celebrates winning the race on the podium with third placed Lance Stroll Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Aston Martin is making its highly expected return to Formula One after an absence of 60 years. They enter the sport as the new face of the Silverstone-based Racing Point F1 team.
Notably, the British unit had been a perennial mid-field team, raking up the odd podium. However, they finally got their first race victory with former driver Sergio Perez winning at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020.
Coming back to their much-awaited return, team Principal Otmar Szafnauer feels very upbeat about the car designed for the 2021 season. He has three wishes for the upcoming season, which he revealed in an interview.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Szafnauer thinks Aston Martin should aim to be consistent throughout the season
When asked about his three wishes for the upcoming season, Aston Martin boss Szafnauer replied in jest, “3 wins- win, win and win.”
On a serious note, he said, “The realistic 3 wishes for us is to compete consistently at the level we’re capable of. To have good reliability to be able to do that.”
via Getty
SOCHI, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Owner of Racing Point Lawrence Stroll and Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Racing Point talk in the Paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on September 29, 2019 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
He substantiated further, “Extract the most out of the car and make sure that we give the drivers, not just the car but the environment, the tools everything they need to be at their best, both of them.
The Romanian believes that if these criteria are met, the podiums and the wins would automatically materialize.
Aston Martin’s goal for the 2021 season
Aston Martin enters the 2021 season, having rebranded from Racing Point. The Silverstone-based team have completely changed everything from changing up the driver lineup to changing the livery.
They have brought in Sebastian Vettel to help them make a great start in F1. In fact, they feel that the German can also act as an on-track engineer, in addition to being a crucial driver.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moreover, the German can also resurrect his career in a completely different environment.
via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 13: Lance Stroll of Canada driving the (18) Racing Point RP20 Mercedes during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace – Pool/Getty Images)
If you ask this author, Aston Martin will be one of the dark horses for the upcoming 2021 season. The British team can finish anywhere between second to sixth in the Constructor’s Championship. They can look to take advantage in a season where many teams could take their eye off the ball.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Many teams will look towards 2022, as that will even out the playing field. Aston Martin have a Mercedes engine, which will act as a great advantage.
They should look to hone the power it offers and be in the reckoning for a few race victories.
