De la Rosa appointed Team Ambassador for Aston Martin F1

Former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa has joined Aston Martin F1 as the Silverstone-based outfit's new Team Ambassador.

The all-new role will see de la Rosa undertake communications, media, PR, marketing, promotional, commercial and general advisory duties for the AMF1 Formula One operation.

The 51-year-old Spaniard - who contested 104 Grands Prix between 1999 and 2012 - will also consult to AMF1’s new Driver Development Programme, helping to select, train and develop junior talent.

Fernando Alonso's arrival at Aston Martin next season as Sebastian Vettel's replacement will undeniably improve the brand's exposure in the Spanish market, which justifies handing de la Rosa an Team Ambassador role.

"I am delighted to be joining Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team as Team Ambassador," he said.

"I already know many faces within the team, having worked extensively with Fernando Alonso during my time at McLaren and Ferrari, and I look forward to getting to know everyone within the organisation.

"I will draw on my experience and expertise to help the team grow and further develop the momentum it has been gathering ahead of the 2023 season, with a particular eye on supporting the marketing and commercial side of the business.

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"It is clear to me that the potential of AMF1 is huge, and that the appointment of a brilliant roster of new technical leaders and new corporate partners, and next year’s arrival of Fernando, further strengthen the team’s resource and resolve to succeed.

"I am looking forward to working with Fernando, my old friend and fellow countryman, as you might expect, and also Lance Stroll, a gifted racer who has won all the junior categories on his way to Formula One.

"It is the perfect time to be joining the organisation and I will be working hard to make sure that we maximise every opportunity as together we build for an exciting future."

Aston Martin F1 team principal Mike Krack said: "Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team’s appointment of Pedro de la Rosa once again underlines our determination to build and strengthen every element of our Formula One operation.

"Pedro’s role as Team Ambassador will be central to our efforts to improve the work we do with our partners, engage with media and fans, and launch our new Driver Development Programme.

"No-one in Formula One would deny Pedro’s expertise and experience – they are second to none – and I am confident that he will not only deliver for us within the remit of his role but will also find new ways to help us develop and improve in other areas. He is a fantastic addition to our team."

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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.