Whitmarsh became Aston Martin’s latest high profile contract as part of its ongoing expansion under new owner Lawrence Stroll, who joined as Group CEO last month.
It marks Whitmarsh’s return to a role in Formula One after leading McLaren from 2009 to 2014. He will lead Aston Martin’s new Performance Technologies division as part of the manufacturer’s executive team.
Four-time F1 world champion Vettel said that while he doesn’t know Whitmarsh well, he is confident that it will be another strong addition to Aston Martin’s quest to become a team vying for the title.
“I still know Martin from his departure, I more or less started in Formula 1,” said Vettel.
“I’ve never worked with him before and I don’t know him well enough to be able to judge. So I think we have to be open-minded.
“Of course we expected to strengthen the team, otherwise it doesn’t make sense to sign new people or add them to the team.
“I think it looks like a strong recruitment and hopefully it will help us achieve what we want to achieve in the future.”
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Vettel’s team-mate Lance Stroll described Whitmarsh’s arrival as “very exciting,” adding to the recent growth that saw Aston Martin laying the foundation for a new factory due for completion in early 2023 at the latest.
“Martin has been associated with McLaren for a long time when they were very successful and I think it’s really exciting to have him on board to add to this team,” said Stroll.
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin, with his engineers at the start
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“In the last few months we have brought many, in my opinion, very talented people on board. I think Martin is a great addition to this team.
“I think everything that is happening on this team now, the new factory that is being built and Martin’s entry is all very constructive.
“Everything leads to the goals that we want to achieve in the years to come.”
One of the few drivers on the current grid who have previously worked with Whitmarsh is Fernando Alonso, who drove for McLaren in 2007 while Whitmarsh served as Chief Operating Officer. Alonso called Whitmarsh “a great addition to any team”.
“He’s sure to be of great help to Aston,” said Alonso.
“He’s very smart, also a good leader. Unfortunately not on our team, but we also have great people.
“It’s good to see Martin and a lot of guys, they deserve a lot of recognition and now they’re back in the sport, so everyone in the paddock benefits.”
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