Formula 1: Racing Point targeting 'top team' status in F1 after Aston Martin rebrand

Racing Point

Racing Point targeting 'top team' status in F1 after Aston Martin rebrand

Otmar Szafnauer is excited about the takeover from Lawrence Stroll

Martin Macdonald

Tuesday 11 February 2020 12:56

Otmar Szafnauer insists Racing Point want to become one of the “top teams” in Formula 1 from 2021 onwards after they are rebranded to Aston Martin F1 Team following businessman Lawrence Stroll’s investment in the British car manufacturer.

The season before last, the Force India team was on the brink of bankruptcy before Stroll saved them at the eleventh hour. They were subsequently changed to Racing Point for 2019, which they will remain for 2020.

However, thereafter will see a complete brand takeover by Aston Martin, and with the legendary manufacturer now returning to F1, Szafnauer thinks the team could eventually have what it takes to compete with the best.

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"It's certainly provided a real injection of energy for the 465 loyal and hard-working staff in Silverstone,” he said.

"The team has been in business, under various names, for 30 years and is more than ready to become a manufacturer team.

“Lawrence (Stroll) spoke to the staff last week and set out the clear objective to establish Aston Martin as one of the top teams in the sport. Everyone is proud to represent a legendary car manufacturer returning to the pinnacle of motorsport.

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"It's significant news for Aston Martin and for Formula 1 itself. As one of the most iconic sports car brands in the world, Aston Martin needed a presence on the F1 grid and this solution delivers a fully-fledged works Aston Martin F1 Team from 2021 onwards.

"It's news that will excite fans around the world and will shine a spotlight on a brand that is widely regarded as Britain's finest luxury sports car manufacturer."

Szafnauer does warn, though, that it is important the team do not take their eye off the ball while still as Racing Point for the upcoming 2020 season.

"There's no immediate impact on our current campaign and we will continue to compete as Racing Point until the rebrand takes place at the start of the 2021 season," he said.

“From then we will be known simply as 'Aston Martin F1 Team' - so the Racing Point name will disappear.

"It's exciting to transition into a manufacturer team and we've got the best part of a year to make all those changes, much of which will be happening behind-the-scenes.

"(But) it's important we don't take our eyes off the main task for 2020, which is to be competitive with the RP20."