Racing Point is “more than ready” to become Aston Martin’s works Formula 1 outfit, according to its team principal, though stressed it must not become complacent in 2020.
Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll last month acquired a minority stake in automotive brand Aston Martin, with part of the deal involving the Formula 1 team taking on works status from 2021.
Racing Point will continue to compete under its current name this season before the works status – including a rebrand of its identity – coming into force next year.
The outfit has raced in Formula 1 since 1991 under the Jordan, Midland, Spyker and Force India guises.
“Creating a works F1 team achieves a number of objectives for Aston Martin,” said Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.
“It’s certainly provides a real injection of energy for the 465 loyal and hard-working staff in Silverstone.
“The team has been in business, under various names, for 30 years and is more than ready to become a manufacturer team.
“Lawrence 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.”
Racing Point battled in Formula 1’s midfield through the 2010s, reaching a high of fourth across 2016/17, and finished seventh in last year’s Constructors’ Championship.
Its campaign last season was partially handicapped by the hangover it endured early in the year on account of the financial problems encountered mid-2018, prior to Stroll’s takeover.
But, with a greater injection of finances – and the Aston Martin rebrand looming – Szafnauer has warned the team cannot afford to become complacent through 2020.
“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 stressed.
“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.
“It’s important we don’t take our eyes off the main task for 2020, which is to be competitive on the racetrack with the RP20.”
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