Lawrence Stroll has been described by the people closest to him as many things. A workaholic billionaire. A man of few words. A man full of drive and ambition.
One thing is clear: he is a business genius with the passion and vision to develop Aston Martin into a team which he believes can eventually go on to win the Constructors’ Championship.
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Speaking with Tom Clarkson on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Stroll senior provided insight into the goals he has set for Aston Martin and how he believes the team will be “the next big thing to happen in Formula 1.”
Measuring success as being competitive with other teams, Stroll stated that Aston Martin “doesn’t have to win the world title.” Instead, they need “to be fighting and contending for World Championships” within the next five years.
“Winning would be the icing on the cake, but it has to have the ability, each weekend, to be able to win. It is like every business I have ever run in my life. I have a great track record of winning in everything I have ever done,” Stroll explained.
Stroll has previously found business success in the fashion industry, having invested in Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, both of which are now global successes.
Emphasising that Formula 1 is not dissimilar to his other business ventures, Stroll explained that the key to his success is surrounding himself “with the best people in every business.”
“You win as a team and you lose as a team,” Stroll said. “I find that even more relevant in Formula 1.”
Speaking further to his five-year plan, Stroll described the “state of the art facility” which is being built in Silverstone.
Spanning over 400,000 square feet, the Aston Martin campus will consist of three buildings, feature the team’s first-ever wind tunnel, a wellness centre, and a nursery to take care of employees’ children. The campus will cost an estimated £200 million.
“It is a significant investment,” said Stroll. “It shows my belief in the team, confirms my ambition and confirms my belief in F1.”
While Formula 1’s leading teams are downsizing due to the introduction of a budget cap, Aston Martin have room to expand.
Stroll described this levelling of the playing field as the optimal time for Aston Martin to be in Formula 1.
“We have already proven that this team can do a better job with less than others,” Stroll stated. “Budget caps have allowed me as an individual to compete with large corporations.”
The building of the campus has been delayed due to COVID, with the expected date of completion set for early 2023.
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