The third time’s the charm as Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team unveil the closest to race trim Formula 1 car of the 2022 season yet. Haas brought us a render of the VF-22 with many hidden details. Redbull essentially used the 2022 show car to debut their new RB18 livery and new Title sponsor Oracle. Aston Martin decided not to follow suit. Instead, the actual AMR22 was revealed; gone are the pink BWT highlights, replaced by a bright AMR green on a new green livery. The car is due to have a shakedown test on Friday at Silverstone. Hopefully, that will result in some footage of the first 2022 car on track.
The Aston Martin AMR22 is not expected to fight at the front of the grid but, instead should be seen as a big step forward in the larger 5-year plan since Lawrence Stroll took over the team formally known as Racing Point. Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll, said: “The Aston Clinton hill climb is about an hour’s drive from Gaydon; and it was there that Lionel Martin launched Aston Martin into the heat of competition. That was the start of the climb that our Formula One team is still on today. We have a five-year plan to keep climbing and get to the top.”
As you’ll have noticed in the Aston Martin’s ever-lengthening name, they all revealed their new long term strategic partner, Aramco. Of the partnership, Lawrence Stroll said “To win in Formula One everything has to be in the right place and a lot of moving parts have to come together. You need the right people in every part of the team and you need the right partners to help make that possible.” “At Aston Martin, we have wonderful and highly valued partners, including our title partner, Cognizant; and I am delighted to welcome Aramco as our long-term strategic partner.”
The Drivers Opinion
Both Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll were eager to get on track but echoed Lawrence opinion on the expectations placed on the team and the new Aston Martin AMR22. Sebastian Vettel said: “Look at that car, who wouldn’t feel excited about the prospect of racing that? And when it comes to hopes for the season, I do not think anyone really knows what to expect.
“There are new rules and of course all the teams will be hoping that they have got it right. Everyone wants to win, me included, and no one would be in Formula One if their dream was not to win. I am no different.”The main thing is to keep moving forward and moving up. This is only year two of a five-year plan, so we are still quite near the start. But this team has big ambitions and big plans, and I am hugely excited to be a part of that.”
Team-mate Lance Stroll added: “This is not only a big opportunity for Aston Martin, but also for all the teams. We just have to believe that we have done a better job and I know that everyone involved is working unbelievably hard to give Seb and me the best chance.”At the same time, we have to be realistic heading into the new season. Our main aim is to move nearer the front than we were last year. That would be progress.”
