Formula 1: Aston Martin announce big news ahead of F1 return

Ahead of their return to Formula 1 in the 2021 season, Aston Martin have announced a title partnership deal with Cognizant.

The Aston Martin branding is set to return to Formula 1 in 2021, with the team formerly known as Racing Point set to become Aston Martin Racing beginning in the upcoming season.

Ahead of their first Formula 1 season since their brief two-year stint in 1959 and 1960, when they competed in just five races, Aston Martin have announced a title partnership deal with Cognizant.

As a result of this partnership with the American multinational IT brand, the team will be officially named Aston Martin Martin Cognizant F1 Team.

Cognizant is slated to serve as not only the team’s title sponsor but as a true digital transformation partner to assist the team on the race track.

Aston Martin plan to leverage Cognizant’s artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, cloud computing and digital engineering expertise in order to help overhaul their operating systems.

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Cognizant plan to utilize data to inform decisions at the track, including simulations and predictions based on both real-time and past performance data. They also plan to build immersive experiences for fans, drivers and factory engineers to assist with fan engagement, training and improving car performance.

Over the coming weeks, fans will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes with Cognizant to share in the excitement of Aston Martin’s return to Formula 1 after more than six decades away.

Here is what Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll had to say about the partnership.

"“The return of Aston Martin to Formula 1 after more than 60 years away is a landmark moment in the history of the sport. Everyone knows what Aston Martin stands for, but the Formula 1 team will allow us to take the essence of the brand to new places, building on the strong foundations laid by the previous iterations of the team. I’m hugely proud that we can start this new chapter with the support of Cognizant. In today’s world, as the digital revolution continues, I can’t think of a more suitable or valuable partner to work with us as we strive to make Aston Martin one of the greatest teams in the sport.”"

Cognizant CEO Brian Humphries added the following.

"“We are absolutely thrilled to be the title partner of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 Team. Our global brands have much in common. We are both innovative, forward-looking firms that like to move fast, stay focused, and lead from the front. We understand the incredible power of today’s advanced technologies and how to harness them to engineer unique customer experiences. We’re excited by the promise of this deep and mutually beneficial partnership.”"

Here is what Aston Martin CEO and team principal Otmar Szafnauer had to say.

"“We’re just two months away from the start of the season, so it’s fantastic to celebrate the new era of Aston Martin in Formula 1 by welcoming Cognizant as our title partner. Innovation and technology are central pillars for any Formula 1 team, and this long-term partnership is more than just a branding exercise. With a new factory already under construction, Cognizant’s expertise and resources will add value in all areas of our IT operations and make a valuable contribution to our performance on-track.”"

Jefferson Slack, the team’s managing director of commercial and marketing, stated the following.

"“This is a really special moment as we welcome Cognizant as the primary partner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team. As we take this iconic brand back to the pinnacle of racing, it’s hugely motivating to have the support of a true powerhouse in Cognizant, a Fortune 200 company with nearly 300,000 employees.It’s a multinational that’s making a real impact across the globe with great vision from Brian Humphries and the senior leadership team. Cognizant will be integral to our future success and a partner in the truest sense, unleashing its capabilities as a digital transformation agent. Like Aston Martin, it’s a company with aggressive targets and ambitions, and will flourish in the global spotlight of Formula 1.”"

Lance Stroll is set to return to the team for a third season in 2021, and he is set to join four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who has left Ferrari after six seasons to replace the Red Bull-bound Sergio Perez.

Here is what Stroll had to say about the partnership.

"“Seeing Aston Martin back in Formula 1 is a huge deal – especially with a new title partner, Cognizant. Whenever I’m at the factory, you can feel the buzz and energy. We’re ready for this. There’s so much hunger in the team, and I just can’t wait to get the season started.”"

Here is what Vettel had to add.

"“I can’t wait to start working with Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 Team. There’s so much for me to discover over the next few months and I’m incredibly determined to help make this team even more successful. Before we know it, we will be at the first race, seeing this famous name back where it belongs. I’m proud to be part of this journey.”"

The 2021 season is currently scheduled to get underway on Sunday, March 21 at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, although it is believed that coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions in Melbourne, Australia will cause the Australian Grand Prix to be moved to later in the season.

If that ends up being the case, the season would be scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 28 with the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit.