Aston Martin appoint Pedro de la Rosa as Formula 1 team ambassador

The 51-year-old De la Rosa has taken part in 105 races. He started his F1 career driving for Arrow in 1999 then switch to Jaguar (2001-2002), McLaren (2003-2009), Sauber (2010-2011), again at McLaren (2011), HRT (2012) and joined Ferrari in 2013 to 2014 in a development role.

From 2015 onwards, the Spaniard became the technical and sporting advisor to the Techeetah Formula E team and runs a driving school and racing team called Drivex. De La Rosa has also done F1 broadcasts on La Sexta, Telecinco, Movistar and DAZN.

The Aston Martin F1 Team released a statement confirming De La Rosa's appointment as their team ambassador.

"Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team (AMF1) are delighted to announce the appointment of Pedro de la Rosa as Team Ambassador.

"In an all-new role, Pedro de la Rosa will undertake communications, media, PR, marketing, promotional, commercial and general advisory duties for the AMF1 Formula One operation, working principally with our communications/media/PR team, our marketers, our guest services operatives and our commercial sales people, to maximise the team's off-track potential.

"The 51-year-old Spaniard will also consult to AMF1's new Driver Development Programme, helping to select, train and develop junior talent.

"Pedro enjoyed a successful Formula One career between 1999 and 2012, racing in 104 Grands Prix for five teams, most notably finishing a fine second in the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.

"But it is his extensive experience as a top-class test and simulator driver that sealed his reputation inside the Formula One paddock. He has completed more than 65,000 miles as a Formula One test driver.

Pedro de la Rosa, Team Ambassador, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team, said: "I am delighted to be joining Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team as Team Ambassador.

"I already know many faces within the team, having worked extensively with [2023 race driver] Fernando Alonso during my time at McLaren and Ferrari, and I look forward to getting to know everyone within the organisation.

"I will draw on my experience and expertise to help the team grow and further develop the momentum it has been gathering ahead of the 2023 season, with a particular eye on supporting the marketing and commercial side of the business.

"It is clear to me that the potential of AMF1 is huge, and that the appointment of a brilliant roster of new technical leaders and new corporate partners, and next year's arrival of Fernando, further strengthen the team's resource and resolve to succeed.

"I am looking forward to working with Fernando, my old friend and fellow countryman, as you might expect, and also Lance Stroll, a gifted racer who has won all the junior categories on his way to Formula One.

"It is the perfect time to be joining the organisation and I will be working hard to make sure that we maximise every opportunity as together we build for an exciting future."

Team boss Mike Krack, said: "Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team's appointment of Pedro de la Rosa once again underlines our determination to build and strengthen every element of our Formula One operation.

"Pedro's role as Team Ambassador will be central to our efforts to improve the work we do with our partners, engage with media and fans, and launch our new Driver Development Programme.

"No-one in Formula One would deny Pedro's expertise and experience - they are second to none - and I am confident that he will not only deliver for us within the remit of his role but will also find new ways to help us develop and improve in other areas. He is a fantastic addition to our team."

In the 2022 F1 constructors' standings, with four races remaining, Aston Martin lie seventh on 45 points a mere seven behind sixth-placed Alfa Romeo.