Racing Point to become Aston Martin works team

When initial rumors of Lawrence Stroll investing in Aston Martin and re-branding his Formula 1 team as a “works team”, I suggested that it was a good time because the odd sponsorship of Red Bull may not be doing much good for Aston as Honda was the power unit used.

I said that it would probably be viewed as a positive for everyone if Stroll did buy into Aston and move its allegiance over to his team so Red Bull could fully engage Honda as a true partner on all fronts. That seems to hav e actually happened.

According to reports, Aston Martin will now move its allegiance and sponsorship over to Racing Point and the team will be re-branded as a Aston Martin Works team from 2021 through 2031.

This is a good more for all involved and will allow the car maker to get a foothold in Formula 1 with its own team. What better way to enter F1 than to have an F1 team owner buy shares in your company and re-brand his team as your works team? I bet Gene Haas wishes he would have thought of that.

Or Red Bull, this clears up some of the delicate sponsorship issues they’ve most likely had to navigate with Honda and Aston Martin stickers on their cars. Now they can fully engage Honda in a complete deal and with a singular focus. Red Bull said:

“We thank Aston Martin for their support over the past four years in which time we have achieved 12 wins, 50 podiums and six pole positions together,” the statement read.

“We wish Aston Martin’s employees and shareholders all the best for the future and our focus remains on working together throughout the 2020 season and ending our partnership on a high.”

Aston Martin will also have a financial stake and gain from economic interest in the team. Red Bull and Aston have also agreed to a separate deal to see the fruition of the super car that Adrian Newey was working on for them.

Finally, Aston gains the driving talents of Lance Stroll…so there’s that.

Hat Tip: Autosport