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The Aston Martin team presented its new Formula 1 car on Wednesday, revealing an elegant livery of the British racing green as it returns to the series for the first time since 1960.
Aston Martin left after failing to score points that year and return to the grid with high hopes after signing four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel. He won 53 F1 races but endured a dismal final year with Ferrari in 2020 in which he only secured one podium.
“I love the history of motor racing and Aston Martin is one of the big names of the past so it’s fun to be a part of their comeback,” Vettel said at the team’s online launch on Wednesday. .
“I haven’t driven the car yet, obviously, but I think it looks great. I can’t wait to get it out on the track.”
He will race alongside Canadian driver Lance Stroll, whose father Lawrence Stroll owns the team after making a nearly $ 1 billion takeover last April.
The Silverstone-based team was later renamed Racing Point to Aston Martin, and Sergio Perez – who always drove well and won a race last season – was replaced by 33-year-old Vettel.
This will be Vettel’s fourth F1 team after starting with Toro Rosso before winning four straight titles with Red Bull from 2010-13 and then joining Ferrari. He failed to deliver the title the Italian manufacturer had dreamed of so much, finishing second behind Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton as he led the championship at mid-race in 2017 and 2018.
“Even though I have raced for four Formula 1 teams and for many years starting a new season with a new team always gives me a feeling of excitement,” said the veteran German driver.
“As a driver I have always kept my eye on the competition and this team has always impressed me with what they were able to do without the biggest budget. So when (they) approached me last year, and explained to me what the ambitions were, I was immediately very motivated to join the team. “
Aston Martin went out of their way to reveal their car, with posts from current James Bond actor Daniel Craig and NFL icon Tom Brady.
When Stroll and 22-year-old Vettel step onto the grid in the AMR21 car during the season opener in Bahrain on March 28, it will be the first time Aston Martin has been on the grid since Roy Salvadori and Maurice Trintignant. . lined up for the 1960 British GP.
“Aston Martin’s return to Formula 1 after a 61-year absence will have a powerful effect on the sport, the media and the fans, drawing worldwide attention,” said Lawrence Stroll.
“We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress. I firmly believe that we have the perfect blend of experience and youth in Sebastian and Lance.”
They will familiarize themselves with the car during pre-testing in Bahrain from March 12-14.
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