“It will bring a winning mindset and we will no doubt learn a lot from him on this trip,” said team principal Otmar Szafnauer from Racing Point’s high profile star signing to lead Aston Martin’s new era.
By James Galloway
Last updated: 18/01/21 9:09 pm
Sebastian Vettel’s arrival at Aston Martin for 2021 represents an “important” moment in the modern team’s F1 development, according to team leader Otmar Szafnauer.
The four-time world champion Vettel will begin a new chapter in his illustrious career after joining the Racing Point team from Ferrari, where he was released after six seasons.
“It’s really exciting for everyone on the team,” said Szafnauer of Vettel joining Lance Stroll.
“At Sebastian, we have proven a four-time world champion with experience in helping teams become race-winning and competitive outfits.
“That’s why it’s such an important sign for us.
“He will win his mind and we will no doubt learn a lot from him on this trip.”
After signing a new title fan and starting the rebranding of the Silverstone-based outfit, which is set to see a race in the British racing arena, Aston Martin is setting the highs for future seasons.
“It is a great honor for every member of the team to represent such a symbolic brand,” said Szafnauer.
“It may be awful, but we’ve been competing in Formula 1 for 30 years [under various names], winning races and taking podiums along the way – often against the weird ones. We have earned a well-deserved reputation for punching above our weight, so we are confident that we can make the Aston Martin name proud from the very beginning. “
Szafnauer says the work that has entered the new era – which will be formally launched at an event in March – should not be underestimated.
“It was a lot of work. It is easy to forget that we have been setting the groundwork for a modern era in the face of challenging global conditions, all the while balancing these activities with the Formula 1 season. our success so far. – including winning a race and podium multiplayer on the way to fourth place in the Builders’ Championship, “he said.
“Everyone involved should be very proud of that achievement and I think it shows that while this is the name and identity of a new team, we are on the strong backbone that has kept us through difficult times to where we are today.
“While the challenge was once to establish ourselves as the most effective team on the grid, now there is an exciting opportunity to establish ourselves as a core team, while still maintaining that effectiveness, to add an interesting chapter to Aston Martin ‘s legacy. “