Aston Martin Q&A: Everything you need to know before the great F1 car unveils itself as the famous AMR21 brand launch

A new name, new colors, a new multiple world champion driver at Sebastian Vettel … and Aston Martin are ready to launch their new era of Formula 1; The rebranded team will unveil its new green AMR21 at 3 p.m. Wednesday

What brings the name Aston Martin to F1?

Aston Martin is a famous car brand that screams British luxury. Think of James Bond. Think of royalty. Think about heritage. But for far too long – since their last team graced the grid over 60 years ago, in fact – the constructor and cultural icon hadn’t considered Formula 1 a priority for the Aston name.

But that all changed in early 2020 when a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, the owner of the Racing Point team, bought a major stake in Aston Martin – sparking a major overhaul and a return to F1.

“This is, I think, the biggest thing that has happened to Formula 1 in decades,” Stroll said recently.

So, Aston Martin has raced in F1 before?

Yes, but only for two seasons in 1959 and 1960 and they actually only competed for five races before leaving the sport. You will probably have noticed their logo on F1 cars in recent seasons, as they have been the main sponsor of Red Bull for the past five years (this partnership ending now), but Aston’s motorsport exploits mainly came from endurance racing rather than F1.

Is this a whole new team?

Not exactly. While there is a new name and look (more on that later) for 2021, Aston Martin is not starting from scratch when it comes to joining the F1 grid, but rather is taking over from the well-established Racing Point team.

The outfit at Silverstone, which was also known as the Force India and Jordan GP (to name a few), saw a big improvement until the fourth last year and retained key personnel and its car philosophy, with the aim of fighting the midfielder. rivals McLaren, Ferrari and fellow Alpine this year.

What color of car should Aston Martin launch?

Gone are the pink of Racing Point, with Aston Martin on the British racing green.

Aston Martin revealed new title sponsor earlier this year

What is it, you ask? Dark green. Why this color? Well, Aston has mostly done this from their early forays into motorsport – including their brief stint in F1 – with the color originating in the early 1900s when British teams raced in national colors (changing from traditional red, white and blue to a Shamrock green at a race in Ireland).

The shadow has remained and Aston Martin will now bring it back to F1, teasing the design numerous times over the winter.

Who are the pilots?

Aston Martin wanted to make a splash when they return to the grid and the signing of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, although perhaps more because of past success than recent form, provides just that.

Vettel will team up with Lawrence’s son Lance Stroll, who continues to show steady improvement as he prepares for his third season with the team, with Sergio Perez – now at Red Bull – rather unlucky to lose his seat.

Has Vettel surpassed his best?

If you were only to compare the Red Bull form of title-winning Vettel with his final years at Ferrari, you would have to say yes. The German, who should enjoy his prime at 33, struggled against unforced errors and was dominated by Charles Leclerc.

But Aston Martin thinks they can reinvigorate Vettel – saying he “needs a little love” and that it’s “our job to put our arm around him”.

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Aston Martin team manager Otmar Szafnauer tells Sky Sports why Sebastian Vettel is already impressing in his new squad

Team boss Otmar Szafnauer added: “The way I see it is at 33, you don’t forget how to drive a Formula 1 racing car fast. He certainly did. not forgotten how to do this, and the work ethic is still there.

“He really wants to play.”

When to watch the Aston Martin launch

Aston Martin will launch its all-new AMR21 at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, with extensive coverage on digital platforms Sky Sports.