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Why F1 is on 'disruptive' Aston Martin's radar

Aston Martin has upgraded from innovation partner to title sponsor of Red Bull. But since the engine is a rebadged Renault, what value can the iconic car manufacturer derive from being involved in Formula 1 apart from securing the services of engineering legend Adrian Newey to collaborate on the Valkyrie supercar project? And what value can Aston bring to F1?

F1 Racing: Why is Aston Martin in this relationship with Red Bull?

Andy Palmer: I'm going to have to give you a bit of background on the turnaround of Aston Martin because it's fundamental to that story. It's a seven-year plan moving the company from being a great brand that's a financial basket case, to being a very profitable company keeping that strong brand.

What we're trying to do is become the LVMH [Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton DSE] of luxury automotive. As you know, LVMH have lots of different brands, all looking for a different type of customer within the luxury area. So we're using the Aston brand, Lagonda and our partnerships, to do exactly that - to create the only car group that could address all aspects of the luxury grid. Ferrari aren't going to make a three-box saloon to compete with Rolls Royce, and Rolls Royce aren't going to make a mid-engined car to compete with Lamborghini. But we can, in all cases.

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