Hi Russell, the private equity firm that my son works for was approached at the formation of this entity. The offer was to invest in the F1 venture rather than in the AM road car division. As i was was once upon a time involved in endurance racing, and also had contact with Aston Martin, I offered my opinion that F1 was not an investment for an outsider, at least not at the development phase of the venture. It was more like a punt that gave you access to the paddock and the frills that go with it. In addition it looked very much like AM was going to be used a vehicle to attract sponsors for his son's career in F1. Today, and based on what you say, I suspect that Stroll senior can be assured he gave his son every chance to compete fair and square. You can tell a future champ contender when you see one. Senna in the Toleman, Stefan Bellof in the Tyrell, Michael Schumacher in the Jordan at Spa, Alonso in the Minardi. It's pretty visible. So my bet is father Stroll will try to ease Lance into the back office of F1, but it still begs the question as to whether AM will end up like a Ferrari or if it will more likely end up as a sub division of AMG in a badge engineering excercise that could potentially become a commerically efficient solution (closest idea to this is how Maserati is used by Ferrari). Or....will Stroll hire the best designers to expand the brand into a family of unique supercars that retain some of the AM heritage. Lets see what happens. Good luck with your son's career. I have to say I am relieved my son isn't interested in racing cars but if it's a young person's desire to race, it's right to pursue the dream. Though I dont follow racing today, in the 80s it was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me. All the best, Costas
I hear you on Russell, but he is tied up now until the end of 2025 with Hamilton and Mercedes’ push to regain top spot. Does Stroll get a reprieve until then?
Looking around for me it’s actually Piastri that is the more likely to move as his car will play second fiddle to Lando Norris’ car. Piastri is a future Drivers Champion.
Also Aston Martin need to reinvent that DBX707 SUV of theirs - need to be bigger.
Hi Russell, the private equity firm that my son works for was approached at the formation of this entity. The offer was to invest in the F1 venture rather than in the AM road car division. As i was was once upon a time involved in endurance racing, and also had contact with Aston Martin, I offered my opinion that F1 was not an investment for an outsider, at least not at the development phase of the venture. It was more like a punt that gave you access to the paddock and the frills that go with it. In addition it looked very much like AM was going to be used a vehicle to attract sponsors for his son's career in F1. Today, and based on what you say, I suspect that Stroll senior can be assured he gave his son every chance to compete fair and square. You can tell a future champ contender when you see one. Senna in the Toleman, Stefan Bellof in the Tyrell, Michael Schumacher in the Jordan at Spa, Alonso in the Minardi. It's pretty visible. So my bet is father Stroll will try to ease Lance into the back office of F1, but it still begs the question as to whether AM will end up like a Ferrari or if it will more likely end up as a sub division of AMG in a badge engineering excercise that could potentially become a commerically efficient solution (closest idea to this is how Maserati is used by Ferrari). Or....will Stroll hire the best designers to expand the brand into a family of unique supercars that retain some of the AM heritage. Lets see what happens. Good luck with your son's career. I have to say I am relieved my son isn't interested in racing cars but if it's a young person's desire to race, it's right to pursue the dream. Though I dont follow racing today, in the 80s it was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me. All the best, Costas
From what i can see and it does look like Lawrence wants to make AM work... so yes Lance will get eased out I think.
The trick with luxury autos is to get secondhand values up... which I think AM is managing to achieve. Some of their recent cars are stunning.
To be honest I tried to discourage my son from racing... but he loves it so much we will keep going until it comes to a natural end.
Thanks for the comments!
Russell
Lance Stroll at it again. Aston Martin will be having some serious conversations after Q1 today at Singapore.
Interesting observation and a great film, but not sure about the analogy.
From an entrepreneurial pov, what is the future of petrochemical four wheel competition: Where is the second bounce of the oval ball going to be??
From that point of view - the better trade is short Ferrari... but brand value is so important for everything these days
I hear you on Russell, but he is tied up now until the end of 2025 with Hamilton and Mercedes’ push to regain top spot. Does Stroll get a reprieve until then?
Looking around for me it’s actually Piastri that is the more likely to move as his car will play second fiddle to Lando Norris’ car. Piastri is a future Drivers Champion.
Also Aston Martin need to reinvent that DBX707 SUV of theirs - need to be bigger.
Well Lawrence Stroll money is also Lance Stroll money - so I am sure they could work something out.
Its a slight tongue in cheek analysis... but I think Aston Martin could be a great trade... but these concerns are real...