It was the most anticipated car launch for F1 2021, and thankfully, it’s GREEN! After a 61 year hiatus, Aston Martin has returned to Formula One with the AMR21 as its contender.
Okay, so it’s not the exact shade of green we were hoping for but the livery is still a pretty green. Given that BWT is still one of the team’s sponsors, we’re glad to see the pink livery take its absence from the grid. Aston Martin is what used to be Racing Point with Lawrence Stroll as the majority stakeholder in the team and Executive Chairman at Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based outfit is still powered by Mercedes, just like the Aston Martin road cars. Most of the staff from Racing Point has been retained, including Otmar Szafnauer, who will now take on the double role of Team Principal and CEO, Aston Martin F1 team.
Aston Martin’s driver lineup is an interesting mix. First, we have Sebastian Vettel, who brings title-winning experience and racecraft to the team. After a couple of publicly unpleasant years at Scuderia Ferrari, the German driver was released from the team even before the 2020 season started. All speculation around Vettel’s imminent retirement was put to rest when he signed for Aston Martin. Since then, Seb seems to have been his more jolly self and we’re excited to see how he does in a positive team environment for a change. He’ll be racing alongside Lance Stroll, son of the team owner. Yes, Lance secured two F1 podiums already, but the young driver will always have that chip on his shoulder without delivering consistent results. With a new team and a new partner, this could be young Stroll has a chance to prove why he earned his spot on the prestigious F1 grid.
“As a driver, I have always kept my eye on the competition and this team has consistently impressed me with what they have been able to do without the biggest of budgets. So, when Lawrence [Stroll] and Otmar [Szafnauer] approached me last year and explained what their ambitions were, I was immediately very motivated to join the team. I love the history of motor racing and Aston Martin is one of the great names of the past, so it is fun to be part of their return to Formula One after an absence of 61 years.”
-Sebastian Vettel
We love the look of the AMR21, even though we agree that it could have been better. What do you make of it? Do you think we’ll see an Aston Martin podium in the first half of 2021? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to the Auto Loons for more F1 updates and news about cool cars.
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