The 2020 Formula 1 season heralded a fresh chapter for the Silverstone-based Racing Point F1 team, marked by a significant shift in its visual identity and title sponsorship. Following a dynamic off-season, the team unveiled its new livery, signaling not only a change in commercial partnerships but also hinting at an ambitious future within the sport. This transformation was more than just cosmetic; it represented strategic realignment and a renewed push for performance in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
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The most noticeable change came with the departure of former title sponsor SportPesa, which had joined the team under a two-year agreement just the previous season. Their premature curtailment of the deal meant their branding was conspicuously absent from the new car. Stepping into this pivotal role was BWT (Best Water Technology), a brand synonymous with its distinctive pink livery, which had been a prominent feature on the team’s cars since 2017. Their elevated status as title partner underscored a deeper, more committed relationship, solidifying the team’s “pink panther” identity for the 2020 campaign.
Beyond the immediate changes, the 2020 season served as a crucial bridge year, with even more profound transformations anticipated for 2021. The team was poised to evolve into Aston Martin’s works F1 operation, a direct consequence of team owner Lawrence Stroll’s significant investment in the iconic luxury car manufacturer. This strategic move promised to inject substantial resources, engineering prowess, and brand prestige, fundamentally reshaping the team’s long-term trajectory in Formula 1. The prospect of Aston Martin, a brand steeped in automotive heritage, returning to the pinnacle of motorsport with a factory team generated considerable excitement among fans and within the paddock.
Amidst these significant sponsorship and future structural changes, the team maintained stability in its driving lineup, a critical factor for consistency and development. Lawrence Stroll’s son, Lance Stroll, entered his second year with the team, continuing his development as a Formula 1 driver. Alongside him, the seasoned Mexican driver Sergio Perez embarked on his seventh consecutive year with the Silverstone outfit, bringing invaluable experience, race craft, and a reputation for consistent point-scoring. This blend of youthful potential and veteran reliability was seen as a strong foundation for Racing Point’s ambitions in 2020.
Unveiling the Vison: The 2020 Livery Launch and Humanitarian Commitment
The new BWT Racing Point livery was officially presented at a vibrant launch event held at Lake Mondsee in Austria, conveniently located near BWT’s headquarters. This picturesque setting provided a fitting backdrop for the unveiling of the striking pink-and-blue machine. The event wasn’t just about showcasing a new car; it also highlighted BWT’s commitment to a broader social cause. As part of their partnership, BWT announced a commendable initiative: they pledged to donate one water well in Gambia for every point the team scored during the 2020 season. This humanitarian gesture added an extra layer of motivation for the team, linking their on-track performance directly to a tangible positive impact off-track.
Reflecting on the previous season, the combined efforts of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll yielded 73 points for Racing Point in 2019. This solid, albeit not spectacular, performance laid the groundwork for the team’s aspirations. Racing Point CEO and team principal Otmar Szafnauer expressed optimism about the team’s potential for the upcoming season. “We had the potential to have both of them in the points at every race,” Szafnauer remarked, highlighting the inherent capability within the driver pairing. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, citing incidents like those involving Romain Grosjean, where external factors can swiftly derail a promising race. However, Szafnauer emphasized that if the underlying performance and potential were consistently there, the team could not only achieve its sporting objectives but also contribute significantly to the BWT Gambia well initiative. This dual motivation underscored the team’s drive for excellence in 2020.
Chasing Fourth: Racing Point’s Ambitious 2020 Goals
After concluding the 2019 season in seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship, a position considered below their usual standard, Szafnauer outlined a much more aggressive target for 2020. “We want to be a strong fourth this year,” he declared, setting a clear benchmark for the team. This ambition wasn’t merely about numerical placement; it encompassed a desire to significantly reduce the performance gap to the sport’s traditional top three teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull. “We want to be closer to the top three than we’ve ever been in the past,” Szafnauer affirmed, indicating a fundamental shift in competitiveness. Furthermore, the team aimed to firmly establish itself as “the top of the midfield,” leading the charge among the highly competitive cluster of teams just behind the front-runners. This goal acknowledged the fierce nature of the midfield battle, where every tenth of a second and every point gained could dramatically alter standings.
Szafnauer openly admitted that 2019 had been “a bit of a difficult year” for the team, finding themselves “the back end of the midfield grid.” This candid assessment provided context for the heightened expectations for 2020. He stressed the imperative for significant strides forward: “But this year we want to take a step up and be where we normally can be.” Achieving such a leap would require relentless effort and innovation. “In order to do that, we’ve got to do a lot of development work over the winter,” he explained, emphasizing the crucial importance of off-season preparation and upgrades. The challenge, Szafnauer noted, was compounded by the continually escalating level of competition throughout the grid. The midfield was not a static environment; rival teams were also pushing boundaries and investing heavily.
The Racing Point CEO highlighted several key competitors who had demonstrated strong form, making the task of climbing the ranks even harder. McLaren, for instance, had performed “a really good job last year,” marking a significant resurgence. Renault, backed by the “might of the motor company behind them” and a substantial workforce of “650-plus employees,” presented a formidable challenge. Even Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri), with the “resurgence of the Honda power train,” had shown impressive pace towards the latter half of 2019. These observations underscored the brutal nature of the midfield fight, where consistent performance, strategic development, and a touch of luck are all vital components for success.
Despite these formidable challenges, Szafnauer exuded confidence in Racing Point’s preparations and capabilities. He pointed to the comprehensive “work that we’ve done over the winter on the new car” as a source of optimism. Crucially, the team’s strong partnership with Mercedes, their “power train partner,” provided a robust foundation, with Mercedes also making significant advancements on their engine. Furthermore, the dedication of the drivers, who had been diligently “keeping fit and working in our simulator,” added another layer of assurance. “I’m confident… we’ll have a good chance to hit our targets for the Formula 1 team as well as for the wells in Gambia,” Szafnauer concluded, tying together the sporting and humanitarian aspirations. This holistic approach demonstrated Racing Point’s commitment not only to on-track success but also to making a positive impact on the world, amplifying the significance of every point scored in the 2020 Formula 1 season.
2020 Racing Point Livery Showcase
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