Ex-Force India owner reacts to Racing Point / Aston Martin’s F1 deal

Current team owner Lawrence Stroll has acquired a stake in Aston Martin. This agreement will lead to the renaming of Racing Point for the next year through a sponsorship agreement of the sports car manufacturer.

Mallya, who owned the squad from 2008 through financial troubles on Summer 18, said he congratulated Stroll on the deal.

“I’m very happy about Lawrence and the team,” Mallya told Autosport. “Ultimately becoming a works team has always been a dream.

“Lawrence and I are friends, and indeed I congratulated him on the news this morning. He’s a very smart investor, and his track record proves it.

“If you look at Aston Martin’s stock price today, he obviously made a treasure deal.

“Under his chairmanship and with the new range of models that Aston is planning, there is only one way and that is north.

“For Racing Point it is absolutely fabulous to have a factory team with the support of a great British brand like Aston with all of their legacy.

“Aston has a lot of supporters and they all become Racing Point supporters.”

Mallya had tried unsuccessfully to secure sponsorship from Aston Martin in late 2015, and the support eventually went to Red Bull.

“We had talks with Aston five years ago not to become a works team, but to make Aston the title sponsor and give us technical support,” he said.

“I don’t know what the deal with Red Bull is, but I don’t think Aston has any technical input. Red Bull has the genius of Adrian Newey, so I don’t think they need anyone else!”

Mallya, who visited the Racing Point motorhome at the UK Grand Prix last year, insists he will not miss his close involvement in F1 so far. “I’ve had 10 full years in F1,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment in these 10 years and now it’s time to do something different.

“I’ve looked after it for 10 years and got two results of fourth place in the constructors’ championship that I’m very proud of.

“The team is still in my DNA and I’m really excited about the team.

“I think the car for 2020 has made some big strides and I’m really looking forward to the start of the season.”