Both Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team drivers are hoping they can unleash the full potential of the AMR21in Portugal this weekend, after a difficult opening two races.
Aston Martin have had a mixed start to the new campaign after belief they could challenge Red Bull Racing and Mercedes AMG Petronas, however, the Bahrain Grand Prix and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix showed the complete opposite so far.
The team have certainly fallen down the pecking order in the midfield battle and look a long way behind Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow and McLaren F1 Team, scoring only five points in the two opening Grand Prix’s.
Yet, Lance Stroll, who has scored all five points for Aston Martin so far, isn’t too worried about the car performance so far and believes they’re making small positive steps.
“We head to Portugal feeling positive that we’re making progress in unlocking the full potential of the AMR21. “ Stroll said.
“There’s an exciting battle within the midfield pack, and our aim is to compete at the front of it – another clean weekend, and the prospect of more points, will ensure we maintain our momentum.”
The Canadian managed to finish in a respectable eighth position, bettering his tenth place finish in the season opener in Bahrain, while his teammate endured another race to forget.
Sebastian Vettel – “I think Portimão is a good place to aim for a clean weekend”
It was supposed to be a fresh start for four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel when he joined the team, but it seems his bad luck from Ferrari has dragged over into his new adventure.
After a disastrous opening weekend in Bahrain that saw the German finish fifteenth, just one place ahead of last-place Mick Schumacher, and his frustrations would have kept growing in Italy as he was forced to retire in the final few laps, although he was only in fifteenth at the time.
However, despite a disappointing opening two races at his new team, Vettel is hoping he can enjoy a clean weekend at the Portimao Circuit and get the maximum out of the AMR21.
“I think Portimão is a good place to aim for a clean weekend – the circuit is a high-speed autodrome; very smooth, and with plenty of gradient.” Vettel said.
“It’s fun to drive, and I think it’ll be a good place to get a better handle on the limits of the AMR21.
“I know I’m yet to get the maximum from the car – but the fact that we understand that is another good reason to keep pushing.”
