Aston Martin boss Otmar Szafnauer believes the presence of Sebastian Vettel at the team will help to “bring out the best” in Lance Stroll.
Aston Martin has recruited four-time World Champion Vettel on a multi-year deal, marking the first time that a title-winner has raced for the team since Damon Hill in 1999, when it competed at Jordan.
Stroll joined the squad in 2019, following two years at Williams, and last season scored two podiums, along with his maiden pole position.
But opportunities elsewhere were missed, with Stroll suffering a spate of setbacks, as he classified only 11th in the standings, seven places behind departing team-mate Sergio Perez.
“In Lance, we have a young and talented, hard-working driver who enjoyed his best campaign to date last year and really made strides in all areas of his racing,” said Szafnauer.
“We know if we give him the tools, he’s more than capable of helping the team reach its goals.
“We also think Sebastian will bring out the best in Lance, with Lance pushing Sebastian hard in return, so we’re delighted with our 2021 line-up.
“[Sebastian is] such an important signing for us. He brings a winning mentality and we will all undoubtedly learn a lot from him on this journey.
“It’s the ideal blend of experience, race-winning knowhow, and raw talent.”
The team finished fourth as Racing Point in 2020, replicating its position from 2016/17 as Force India, and Szafnauer believes the outfit is well-placed to soak up any extra pressure brought by the Aston Martin name.
“It might sound daunting, but we’ve been competing in Formula 1 for 30 years, winning races and taking podiums along the way – often against the odds,” he said.
“We’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for punching above our weight, so we’re confident we can do the Aston Martin name proud right from the get-go.”
