Aston Martin’s performance this year has fallen short of expectations. Will Lawrence Stroll and his team ever realize their championship dreams? A visit to the team’s state-of-the-art headquarters reveals there’s still much work to be done.
The welcome is warm, and so is the meal – they’ve thought of everything. In short, it’s a pleasure to be at Aston Martin’s headquarters, located almost directly opposite the Silverstone circuit. Over the past few years, the team has rapidly built a complex here that can compete with the giants of Formula 1. And the construction isn’t finished yet: it can still be bigger, better, and more beautiful.
Let’s rewind to a few weeks earlier. “Talk less, deliver more,” team leader Fernando Alonso speaks plainly about the disappointing season and the near future. In other words, less talk, more action. The two-time world champion from Spain (42) knows what it takes to become a successful racing team. The fact that he feels the need to sound the alarm is both painful and telling. After all, talk is cheap.
A Half-Finished Complex
It’s time to take a look around. “You’ll be amazed at what you’re going to see,” promises team boss Mike Krack. Once inside, however, reality proves stubborn. Those expecting a super-luxurious, ultra-modern, and highly advanced complex will be disappointed. Yes, it’s large and modern-looking, well thought out and freshly painted. But what is it primarily right now? A half-finished complex.
“We will eventually have three buildings. Building 1 is finished and should deliver performance, as should Building 3. Building 2 will be the connecting factor.” This is evident from the impressive glass walkway, delivered earlier that afternoon. “I haven’t even been here myself,” one of the Aston Martin employees admits during the tour. “That’s how new everything is.”
Anticipating Aston Martin’s Future Success in Formula 1
The current state of Aston Martin’s facilities symbolizes the team’s present situation. The plans sound promising, but they are yet to materialize. The carpeting has been laid in Building 2, and the spaces for the model shop, engineering, and design departments, as well as a coffee bar, have been designated. However, these spaces are as empty as the team’s trophy cabinet.
Will Aston Martin ever reach a point where they have everything in place to become a top team in Formula 1, as Lawrence Stroll once claimed? Only time will tell. For now, a visitor’s poignant observation rings true: “For the time being, these spaces are as empty as the trophy cabinet.”
The man makes this dry comment, looks around, and continues on his way, shaking his head. In the background is the landing platform for Stroll senior’s helicopter, which is already operational. Aston Martin can only hope that their performance will also take off, figuratively speaking.
