Aston Martin pull covers off AMR23 as new challenger is unveiled
The launch spec of the Aston Martin AMR23 as it is launched. February 2023.
Aston Martin have officially launched their 2023 challenger, the AMR23, at their Silverstone base as their plans for the new season take shape.
Lance Stroll was joined by his new team-mate in Fernando Alonso in unveiling the 2023 car at the team’s new factory, which is getting built on the same complex as the team’s current home – which has played host to ‘Team Silverstone’ in its various guises since it began as Jordan in 1991.
But the AMR23 will be the next step on the team’s journey that it hopes will take them to the front of the Formula 1 field, with team owner Lawrence Stroll having invested heavily in getting their new facility built and completing a host of hires from around the paddock.
The signing of two-time World Champion Alonso to replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel was another statement of intent from Aston Martin, with the team willing to provide the Spaniard a multi-year deal where former team Alpine were playing their cards closer to their chests during negotiations.
Aston Martin have finished seventh in each of the previous two seasons in the Constructors’ Championship, albeit doing so after a solid recovery in the second half of 2022 as their performance improved, having been languishing just above Williams in ninth as the sport took its summer break.
They missed out on sixth to Alfa Romeo on countback in the end after Valtteri Bottas’ season-high finish of 5th at Imola, but they go into this year doubtless looking to climb further, with the team having finished fourth in the Constructors’ standings in 2020 while they were known as Racing Point.
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With the AMR23 now having been launched, Aston Martin – once again decked out in British Racing Green – will look ahead with optimism for the year ahead.
Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll and team principal Mike Krack offered their thoughts on stage at the launch, before Alonso and Lance Stroll made their way on stage as the Union Jack cover was pulled away from the AMR23 as it was unveiled to the world.
Lance Stroll said: “Looking at the AMR23, I can see lots of new thinking and some aggressive work around the packaging and aerodynamics that should really help us out as we head into year two of these new rules.
“I’m massively looking forward to working with Fernando. I’ve always got along very well with him – and it will be fantastic to race alongside him.”
Alonso said: “I have always said that I could see the ambition that shines bright at AMF1. And, as we launch the car in this brand-new factory, I think everyone can now see the scale of the ambition and determination at the heart of this organisation.
“Just as important is the car – and the AMR23 looks incredibly neatly packaged and highly efficient. I was pleasantly surprised when I sampled last year’s car for the very first time, and I think there is plenty of performance we can unlock together. I can’t wait to get started.”
Aston Martin also say the AMR23 is a “considerable evolution” compared to its predecessor, with technical director Dan Fallows saying 95% of it is different from last year’s challenger.
Lawrence Stroll, AMF1 executive chairman, said: “This year’s move into our new state-of-the-art factory is more than just a serious statement of intent: it will considerably strengthen and empower every single individual in this organisation, helping us to deliver on our ambition to narrow the gap to the front of the grid and, in time, become genuine championship frontrunners.
“In the past year, we have demonstrated the determination and belief needed to move forward and we have constructed a brand-new car to match our vision and ambition.
“Across our partner portfolio, I want to offer my best wishes to Ravi Kumar, who has just been appointed CEO at Cognizant, a company with whom we share an inspired vision. To the team at Aramco, who have shown incredible faith in this organisation, and to all our partners, I extend my thanks for joining us on this unique journey.
“The talk today is of new energy – and, believe me, it feels like a fresh start and an incredibly promising and ambitious way to begin the new season.”
