The newly branded Cognizant Aston Martin team have released their first challenger, the AMR21. In a glitzy ceremony that included celebrity appearances from Daniel Craig, Gemma Arterton and Tom Brady the new look and direction for the Silverstone team was revealed.

The livery that returns Aston Martin to the sport, after a hiatus of 60 years, harks back to the classic British racing green, highlighting the intention for the brand to market its British heritage. Pink features prominently on the front wing and along the nose and the side pods, a nod to their sponsor BWT who signed a deal late last week.

This detailing was intended to be lightening green before the deal was completed, meaning some of the team kit released prior to the launch varies slightly from the car’s design. A bulge also features on the side pod due to a new Mercedes engine configuration.

After an encouraging season in which the formerly named Racing Point finished fourth in the constructors championship, Aston Martin hope that a new identity, as well as new financial backing, can push the team to new heights.

Given the limited regulation changes this season, third in the constructions championship seems to be the aim for this season. Team Principal, Ostmar Szafnauer, is certainly hoping for an encouraging start to the year, saying “We hope this year continues on that same path and we’ll be fighting for podiums from the start of the season”.

The car will be driven by Lance Stroll and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, hoping to find reinvigorated form following a problematic final season with Ferrari.

When questioned about the 2021 car Vettel certainly seemed raring to go, answering “I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow where we’ll be in the car for the first time and obviously the weeks after, when the season finally kicks off. So maybe it’s better to ask after we’ve been in the car, but I think, right now, the car looks great”

Stroll is hoping to build on a promising 2020, in which he secured two podiums and his first pole position, proving many of his doubters wrong. “As a team, I think third in the constructors’ championship is a big goal,” said Stroll. “We missed out on that last year, we came so close. I truly believe that we can accomplish that this year, if not more. That’s a big goal of the team.”

Stroll added “There were opportunities to win races last year which I missed out, like in Bahrain, Turkey and Monza. That really shows the potential we have going into this season and it’s extremely exciting”, indicating his optimism.

Feature Image credit: Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team