Aston Martin 'wrong' to shed pink identity says BWT boss

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Aston Martin sponsor BWT says team owner Lawrence Stroll's decision to opt for British racing green this season over pink was the "wrong" call from a purely business perspective.

The Silverstone-based outfit saw its recognition boosted in 2017 when it signed up Austrian water treatment company BWT as its title sponsor and rolled out its cars draped in a striking pink livery.

The team maintained its 'pretty in pink' identity after its buyout by Stroll and transformation from Force India into Racing Point.

However, its partnership with Aston Martin and the arrival of US tech giant Cognizant as its principal partner for 2021 compelled the team to switch its livery to a striking metallic green scheme.

Read also: Vettel showcases new pink helmet as BWT ambassador

But BWT boss Andreas Weissenbacher, who remains one of the team's secondary sponsors and a personal sponsor of Sebastian Vettel, admits the wardrobe change wasn't to his liking as he believes the outfit's recognition has fallen.

"Lawrence Stroll understands that my heart bleeds," Weissenbacher said in a Q&A with Speedweek.

"If the Aston Martin was pink, title sponsor Cognizant would also be happier because the recognition value would be much higher.

"Business-wise, it was wrong. Historically, the British racing green is certainly understandable for many, but not for me. The Aston Martin doesn’t stand out on TV.

"The pink colour has not only become our trademark but has also acquired a certain elegance."

Looking back on his partnership with Team Silverstone since 2017, Weissenbacher pinpointed the high and low points of the eventful period in F1.

"The most beautiful moment was the Sakhir GP 2020 with Sergio Perez’s victory," the Austrian predictably commented. "Also because at breakfast in the hotel on race day, I promised Sergio he would win that day. And he won!

"The biggest disappointment? That I couldn’t convince Lawrence Stroll to pink the Aston Martin until now.

"Not out of egotism but out of pure rationality, because a pink car simply stands out more and has a much greater advertising effect."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.