James Bond’s carmaker of choice returns to F1 next year

Aston Martin shareholders have approved the British luxury carmaker’s return to Formula One as a constructor in 2021, in a deal that will see the Racing Point team rebranded.

The announcement came after a consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll injected US$322mil (RM1.4bil) of new capital into a fundraising effort of US$664mil (RM2.9bil).

“On Monday 30th of March, the shareholders of Aston Martin Lagonda approved a US$664mil (RM2.9bil) fundraising, underpinned by an injection of US$322mil (RM1.4bil) of new capital from Yew Tree Consortium – a group of investors led by Lawrence Stroll,” Racing Point said in a statement.

“As part of this investment Stroll will become executive chairman of Aston Martin and the company will create its own works F1 racing team.”

Stroll’s son Lance currently drives for Racing Point team alongside Mexico’s Sergio Perez.

Stroll, who bought Racing Point when it was formerly known as Force India in August 2018 when it was on the verge of going bankrupt, has previously made clear his desire to take on the F1 front-runners.

“A brand with the pedigree and history of Aston Martin needs to be competing at the highest level of motorsport,” Stroll said.

“I think it’s the most exciting thing that’s happened in recent memory in Formula One and it’s incredibly exciting for all stakeholders in the sport, especially the fans.”

He added: “Aston Martin has been competing very successfully in various classes of motorsport throughout its history, but we now have an opportunity to create a works team in Formula One.”

Plans to rebrand the Racing Point team were announced in January when Stroll led a rescue deal for the struggling luxury carmaker. Aston Martin has enjoyed a title partnership agreement with Red Bull Racing over the past four years, an arrangement that will come to an end after the forthcoming season.

The British manufacturer last entered an F1 works team in 1960.

Aston Martin is cherished by Hollywood actors, global sports stars and British royalty.

Fictional superspy James Bond’s carmaker of choice had made its debut in 1964 film “Goldfinger” and more recently featured in 2015’s “Spectre”.

The brand features once more in the latest instalment, “No Time to Die”, due out this year.