Racing Point

Racing Point was a British Formula One constructor that competed from 2018 to 2020. The team was formed from the assets of the defunct Sahara Force India squad after it entered administration. It served as a transitional entity before being rebranded as Aston Martin in 2021, marking the return of the famous British marque to the sport as a full works team.

History

The team's origins trace directly to the financial collapse of the Sahara Force India team in mid-2018. A consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll purchased the team's assets out of administration, saving it from liquidation. This new entity was officially named **Racing Point** for the remainder of the 2018 season, effectively ensuring continuity for the staff and operations based at the Silverstone facility. The legal and commercial reset allowed the team to shed significant debt and begin a new chapter under fresh ownership, with the long-term ambition of transforming into a championship-contending operation. This period was characterized by stabilization and laying the groundwork for future investment, culminating in the strategic rebranding to Aston Martin for the 2021 season.

Formula One

**Racing Point** made its competitive debut at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, with drivers Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon at the wheel. The team scored points immediately, a testament to the underlying competitiveness of the inherited VJM11 chassis. For the 2019 season, the team fielded Pérez alongside the newly signed Lance Stroll, son of the owner Lawrence Stroll. The highlight of the 2020 season, contested with the RP20 car, was Pérez's stunning victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, the team's first and only win. This result, coupled with consistent points finishes, secured **Racing Point** fourth place in the 2020 World Constructors' Championship, its best-ever finish. Over its three-season tenure, the team achieved 1 win, 2 podiums, and 1 pole position, all while operating as a customer team using Mercedes power units.

Ownership and management

The team was owned by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, with significant investment from a group of Canadian businessmen. Stroll assumed the role of executive chairman, providing strategic direction and securing the pivotal partnership with Aston Martin Lagonda. Day-to-day operations were managed by Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, who provided continuity from the Force India era. The senior technical leadership included Technical Director Andrew Green, who oversaw car design and development. This management structure focused on financial stability and technical growth, successfully navigating the transition from a midfield survivor to a works team prospect, attracting major sponsors like BWT which influenced the car's distinctive pink livery.

Car development and performance

The team's first original car was the Racing Point RP19, which was an evolution of the previous year's design and proved to be a solid midfield contender. The subsequent Racing Point RP20, however, became the subject of significant controversy in the 2020 season due to its striking visual resemblance to the championship-winning Mercedes W10 from the previous year. Rival teams, notably Scuderia Ferrari and Renault, protested the car's legality, leading to an investigation by the FIA. The governing body found the team had breached sporting regulations regarding the design process of its brake ducts, resulting in a heavy points deduction and fine. Despite this, the RP20, dubbed the "Pink Mercedes" by media and fans, was extremely competitive, regularly challenging the top three teams and achieving the team's maiden victory.

Legacy and rebranding

The primary legacy of **Racing Point** was its role as a crucial bridge to the revival of the Aston Martin works team. Lawrence Stroll's investment group also took a significant stake in Aston Martin Lagonda, facilitating the rebranding. The team's strong 2020 performance demonstrated the potential of the Silverstone-based operation with increased resources. For the 2021 season, the team was fully rebranded as Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team, attracting high-profile personnel like Sebastian Vettel and initiating a major factory expansion. The **Racing Point** name, though short-lived, is remembered for its dramatic victory in Sakhir, the "Pink Mercedes" controversy, and its successful execution of a strategic transformation that reshaped a portion of the Formula One grid.

Category:Formula One constructors Category:Defunct Formula One teams Category:Sports in the United Kingdom