Aston Martin shows off first F1 car in 61 years

London — James Bond said he was thrilled and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady threw in support from afar as Aston Martin showed off their first Formula One (F1) car in 61 years on Wednesday.

The launch, presented online by “Quantum of Solace” actress Gemma Arterton, played up the 108-year-old marque's connection to the fictional British secret agent as the Silverstone-based team started a new era.

“I just want to send a massive congratulations to all at Aston Martin for getting back onto the F1 grid for the first time since 1960,” Bond actor Daniel Craig said in a video message.

“It is an incredible thrill for me, and I'm sure all F1 fans, to see Aston Martin racing again in their iconic Aston Martin racing green.

“Go take it to them. I'll see you on the grid.”

The new James Bond film No Time to Die, due for release in September, features four Aston Martins — the agent's car of choice.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, freshly arrived from Ferrari, and Canadian Lance Stroll will be the ones with the licence to thrill and both liked the look of the sleek green AMR21 car that marks Aston's return as a constructor.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brady offered his support in a video message for a team that in 2020, as Racing Point, finished fourth overall but won a race and were often third fastest.

“Hey Lance and Seb, looks like your ride is finally here and it looks amazing,” he said. “I'll be cheering you guys every step of the way ... good luck and kick some ass.”

Lawrence Stroll, team owner and father of Lance, is also the executive chair of Aston Martin and has big plans for expanding the brand and taking his team to the top.

“I have dreamed about this day for a very long time,” he said.

“My first dream was to own a F1 team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams.

“This is just the beginning. The team is pushing forward, and our ambitions are limitless. We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress.” 

Aston Martin say they can give Sebastian Vettel what he wants this season and get the best out of the F1 world champion as he starts afresh after recent struggles at Ferrari.

The 33-year-old German last won in Singapore in 2019, with Ferrari well off the pace in 2020 in their worst campaign since 1980.

Vettel also made some errors over the past two years, however, and lost out to younger Monegasque team mate Charles Leclerc on wins, poles, podiums and points.

Some critics have suggested he is on the slide, his best years behind him, but it was all smiles at Wednesday's launch of the new Aston Martin F1 car and team bosses were confident Vettel could deliver.

Technical director Andrew Green said the Silverstone-based team, rebranded from Racing Point, would adapt to the German's way of working and could tune the car's characteristics to suit his requirements.

He said Vettel appeared “incredibly relaxed” and had integrated quickly.

Reuters