Aston Martin: Vettel and Stroll ‘the ideal blend’

Aston Martin believe their 2021 driver line-up is the “ideal blend”, with Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll pushing each other to succeed.

Although it has not met with universal approval among F1 fans, Aston Martin have opted to pair a four-time former World Champion with the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.

Vettel endured a poor final year with Ferrari in 2020, struggling in a car that did not suit him, while Stroll has lacked consistency throughout his Formula 1 career so far.

But on the flip side, the German brings vast experience and renewed energy following his move to the rebranded Racing Point outfit, while his Canadian colleague displayed his talent with two podium finishes and a brilliant Turkish Grand Prix pole position during 2020.

Otmar Szafnauer, team principal of Aston Martin, is certainly looking at the positives as they aim to build on a 2020 campaign in which Racing Point finished fourth in the World Championship and won the Sakhir Grand Prix – via Sergio Perez, who was ousted to make way for Vettel.

“It’s hugely exciting for everyone in the team,” said Szafnauer of the driver line-up, quoted by Motorsport.com.

“In Sebastian, we have a proven four-time World Champion with experience of helping teams become race-winning and Championship-contending outfits.

“That’s why he is such an important signing for us. He brings a winning mentality and we will all undoubtedly learn a lot from him on this journey.

“In Lance, we have a young and talented, hard-working driver who enjoyed his best campaign to date last year and really made strides in all areas of his racing. We know if we give him the tools, he’s more than capable of helping the team reach its goals.

“We also think Sebastian will bring out the best in Lance, with Lance pushing Sebastian hard in return, so we are delighted with our 2021 line-up.

“It’s the ideal blend of experience, race-winning knowhow and raw talent.”

Szafnauer also backed up team owner Lawrence Stroll’s assertion that Aston Martin can target race victories in 2021.

He added: “With a new name, committed shareholders, fresh investment and an experienced team, we believe we have all the ingredients in place to compete for even more podiums and hopefully victories too.

“It’s the start of a new journey and I can sense an extra energy in the team, with a determination to push performance further than ever before.

“Combined with some of the most creative minds in the business, a true racers’ mentality and the can-do spirit that has served us so well through the years, we have every reason to be excited about the future.”

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