Picture credits Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team has spoken this week of new energy and new beginnings. This mindset of new energy was also referred to by Lance Stroll during his remarks at Monday’s launch of the team’s 2023 challenger – the AMR23. Lance Stroll also reflected on his childhood memories of watching Fernando Alonso and his aims for the coming F1 season.
Lance Stroll’s new teammate for the 2023 F1 season arrives in the form of two-time F1 drivers’ Champion Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard spoke previously during the launch of the AMR23 about the energy he feels in his new team saying “Everything feels like a new energy. I see people very motivated, a lot of work has been done on this car. I can’t wait for Bahrain, and everyone is very excited about this project.”
The AMR23 is described as ‘a considerable evolution of last year’s chassis, which was honed across the season into a consistent points challenger’. With this being the third year of Aston Martin’s latest journey in the pinnacle of motorsport, the aim is to deliver a car that will be competitive from the outset. Lawrence Stroll, AMF1 Executive Chairman, told media: “The talk today is of new energy – and, believe me, it feels like a fresh start and an incredibly promising and ambitious way to begin the new season. “
Lawrence Stroll’s son, Lance Stroll, spoke in a similar manner with remarks representing the mindset of a new beginning: “Looking at AMR23, I can see lots of new thinking and some aggressive work around the packaging and aerodynamics that should really help us out as we head into year two of these new rules. I’m massively looking forward to working with Fernando. I’ve always got along very well with him – and it will be fantastic to race alongside him. “
Due to a superstar of Fernando Alonso’s standing now driving for Aston Martin, Lance Strolll was asked to reflect on any memories he had of the two-time F1 Drivers’ Champion. The Canadian racer’s reply showed their paths had crossed more times than maybe many people realised.
“I have a lot of memories watching this guy fight for championships against Schumacher. I’m not gonna lie I was cheering for Schumacher. It’s amazing to see him so motivated and I think really excited to join the team. I was waking up at 8/9 o’clock in the morning back in Canada when I was 5/6 years old, and he was the guy to watch so you know it’s great to have him in the team – really excited. In my younger days, when I was racing go karts, I was in the Ferrari junior programme and then Fernando was racing for the team then. So, yeah, we’ve known each other over the years and just excited to get things going.”
Two days after Monday’s launch saw the Aston Martin AMR23 navigate its first laps of the Silverstone circuit. Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll enjoyed their first time behind the wheel of the AMR23 on track. A session which was part of their permitted filming days prior to the season and the few laps allowed the drivers to start to get a feel for their 2023 challenger – a very basic feel.
Lance Stroll spoke to the media after his laps around Silverstone and said: “I think the objective for us this year is to consistently be fighting for good points every weekend and occasionally fight for podiums – I think that’s a good goal. Taking the AMR23 out for the very first time was a special moment and the car felt good. Everything was working as expected and running smoothly which is the most important thing as we prepare for the upcoming test in Bahrain.”
Lance Stroll is now entering his fifth season with Aston Martin – the first two of those having been under the team name Racing Point. There is a real sense that big things are happening at Aston Martin, and it could be a very successful season for them. First though, Stroll has a two-time F1 Drivers’ Champion to get the better of and that will be no easy feat.
“We know there is always plenty to be learnt at the start of the year, but we made a strong start this morning and I really enjoyed being back behind the wheel.” Lance Stroll said in his trackside remarks at Silverstone before commenting “There’s nothing quite like putting your right foot down in a brand-new Formula 1 car after a long winter break!”
There is also nothing like the excitement a new F1 season brings – and we don’t have long to wait now.
