Aston Martin 'definitely tempted' to sign Lewis Hamilton for 2022

Lewis Hamilton speaking with Lawrence Stroll — Photo: © LAT Images

Aston Martin

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Aston Martin 'definitely tempted' to sign Hamilton for 2022

Hamilton has only signed a one-year deal with Mercedes

Ian Parkes

Thursday 25 February 2021 13:14

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Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has revealed he is 'definitely tempted' to sign Lewis Hamilton for next season.

With the Aston Martin name returning to Formula 1 for the first time in 61 years this season, Stroll has already made one marquee signing in Sebastian Vettel.

Now the billionaire is pondering another for 2022 after Mercedes and Hamilton left the door open due to the seven-time F1 champion only signing a new one-year deal with the team for this season.

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Asked in an interview with PA whether he would consider luring Hamilton away from Mercedes, Stroll replied: “It is definitely tempting."

Stroll added: “Lewis in any car is great, and I am sure everyone would say yes [to signing him] because he is a seven-time world champion.

"But right now, I am extremely focused on getting started this year.”

Stroll has overseen the transformation of the team since taking up ownership of what was once Force India midway through the 2018 season.

As Racing Point, the team finished fourth in the constructors' championship last year in what he sees as a stepping stone towards becoming F1 champions thanks, in part, to the introduction of the budget cap.

With all 10 teams now operating on a more level-playing field, Stroll has set ambitious targets and he sees no reason why they cannot be met.

“From a competitive point of view, the budget cap changes the sport dramatically," added Stroll.

“The big three teams were significantly outspending everyone and probably had 400-500 more staff. All of that has now gone.

“Here, we are building a brand new state-of-the-art facility. It will be the most modern facility in Formula One.

“This team has punched above its weight with significantly less resources, and I sincerely believe with the same amount of people and the same budget, there is no reason why world championships are not very much on the cards.

"It is very realistic to think that.”

Stroll is convinced Vettel can play his part in that potential success despite his career seemingly in decline after six barren seasons with Ferrari, culminating in his worst full campaign last year prior to which he had already been told he was being released.

“This team has done many things, but one thing it hasn’t done is be a world champion, and what Seb brings is that mindset, the methodology, the work ethic, and the planning around being a world champion and that is invaluable,” said Stroll.

“He is unbelievably motivated to be a part of Aston Martin returning to Formula One.

"You don’t become a four-time world champion and then forget how to drive. There were factors on his mind last year but I don’t have one hesitation that he will be as quick as ever.”