Aston Martin first F1 team to reveal launch date for 2023 car

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Aston Martin F1 has become the first F1 team to announce the launch date of its 2023 contender, the AMR23.

The Silverstone-based outfit is a week away from its holiday break, but the team is already sending its invitations for the unveiling of its new car that will tale place on Monday, February 13 at 7pm GMT.

The special launch event will be held at the site of Aston Martin's all-new 37,000 square meter Silverstone campus which is expected to be completed next spring.

Aston's new factory has been labeled as a "game changer" by the team but only time will tell if its second ground effects car will follow suit, or at least allow the team to become a consistent top-tier midfield contender.

But the biggest development for Aston for 2023 is the arrival of two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso who takes over from the now-retired Sebastian Vettel.

The 41-year-old Spaniard enjoyed his first outing with Aston Martin last month in Abu Dhabi at F1's post-season test. And Alonso felt that it had been an honour to get behind the wheel of a car representing "such an iconic brand".

"It was good! It was a very nice experience. I feel honoured to drive for such an iconic brand," he said.

"I tried to meet all the mechanics, the engineers, and [I will] try to remember a lot of new names, for sure!"

Alonso will be paired with Lance Stroll who will undertake next seventh season in F1 in 2023, his fifth with his father's 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.