Aston drivers will make the most of 2022 'tools' – Szafnauer

©AstonMartin

40

Aston Martin team boss Otmar Szafnauer is convinced that Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll will form a strong duo that will make the most of the team's all-new "tools" next year.

The Silverstone-based outfit confirmed as predicted that its driver line-up will remain unchanged for 2022. But F1's big regulation overhaul will lead to all teams fielding new cars next year.

Szafnauer says his team would rather under-promise and over-deliver regarding its 2022 prospects, but the Aston team boss is nevertheless sure that the outfit's cars will be in good hands next year.

"Lance is one of the most gifted drivers in modern Formula One, and to that raw talent he is now adding serious racecraft," commented Szafnauer in Thursday's driver announcement.

"A four-time world champion, having driven 271 Grands Prix, of which he has won 53, Sebastian is also a massive asset to our team, and next year we expect both of them to race well in what will be a very different formula from the current one.

"We never under-estimate our opposition, so we do not intend to over-promise, but we know that Lance and Sebastian will get the very best from the tools we will put at their disposal."

©AstonMartin

Aston Martin executive chairman and F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll, who recently helped the outfit's new factory break ground at Silverstone, acknowledged that results this season have fallen short of expectations.

But the Canadian billionaire is confident that Aston Martin has the right driver line-up to continue its development at the highest level.

Read also: Aston Martin confirms Vettel and Stroll for 2022 season

"The first ever season for Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team got off to a disappointing start, owing to the regulatory changes over the winter that disadvantaged the two teams whose cars utilise a low-rake aero philosophy," said Stroll.

"But we have made good progress over the past few months, and both Lance and Sebastian have delivered some excellent performances.

"They have had more than their fair share of bad luck, but in 2022 we are delighted to be continuing with such an excellent blend of youthful talent and experienced expertise."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.