Racing Point F1 Team 2019: 73-Point Season Review

The 2019 Formula 1 season introduced Racing Point as a revitalized force in the midfield battle, rising from the ashes of the Force India administration crisis. This rebranded squad, backed by significant investment, fielded the RP19 chassis with Mercedes power units, piloted by experienced Sergio Pérez and young Lance Stroll. Their campaign yielded 73 constructors’ points, securing seventh place overall.

Origins and Rebranding Story

Racing Point F1 Team emerged in late 2018 when a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll acquired the assets of the insolvent Force India team. This pivotal buyout prevented the collapse of a competitive midfield contender and set the stage for a new identity. The team officially rebranded from Racing Point Force India to Racing Point in February 2019, just ahead of the season opener.

The transition was seamless in many ways, retaining core technical staff and infrastructure at their Silverstone base. Key sponsor SportPesa, a Kenyan betting firm, adorned the cars as ‘SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team,’ adding a vibrant pink livery that became a season hallmark. This fresh start infused optimism, positioning the team as a midfield powerhouse with ambitions to climb higher.

Driver Lineup: Pérez and Stroll

Sergio Pérez, the Mexican veteran, anchored the team with his consistency. Entering his sixth season with the squad (counting Force India years), Pérez scored points in the opening four races and notched a standout P6 in Azerbaijan. His season tally contributed significantly to the team’s 73 points, finishing 10th in the drivers’ standings.

Lance Stroll, son of team co-owner Lawrence Stroll, brought youthful energy. The Canadian delivered crucial results, including a P4 in Germany amid chaotic conditions. Despite some retirements, his contributions matched Pérez’s points haul, showcasing maturity in wheel-to-wheel combat.

This duo’s synergy proved vital, blending Pérez’s reliability with Stroll’s flair.

The RP19: Design and Technical Evolution

The Racing Point RP19 marked the first full car designed under the new ownership. Built on Force India’s legacy, it featured a Mercedes V6 turbo-hybrid engine and Pirelli tires. Aerodynamic refinements focused on midfield pace, with a distinctive pink BWT branding enhancing visibility.

Debuting at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, the RP19 showed immediate promise. Pérez started 10th and finished 13th after a penalty, while Stroll climbed to P9. Early reliability issues were ironed out, allowing consistent top-10 runs. Mid-season upgrades boosted straight-line speed and cornering stability, evident in Pérez’s Azerbaijan podium charge.

• Chassis Innovations: Optimized front wing for better downforce management.
• Power Unit: BWT Mercedes V6t-h, reliable across 21 races.
• Livery: Pink theme for sponsor visibility, fan favorite.

Season Highlights and Race-by-Race Analysis

Racing Point’s 2019 was defined by opportunistic drives in a ultra-competitive midfield. They opened strongly, scoring in Australia (Stroll P9), Bahrain (Pérez P10), China (Pérez P8), and Azerbaijan (Pérez P6).

Summer races brought peaks: Stroll’s P4 in wet Germany, Pérez’s P7 in Hungary. Brazilian Sprint saw Pérez recover to P7 despite qualifying woes. The season closed with steady points in Abu Dhabi, Pérez P9 and Stroll Ret.

1. Early Momentum: Points in first four GPs set tone.
2. Mid-Season Surge: Top-10 regulars post-upgrades.
3. Late Consistency: Avoided crashes, maximized results.

Overall, 73 points from 21 races averaged 3.5 per GP, solid for midfield.

Constructors’ Standings and Midfield Rivalry

Racing Point clinched 7th in constructors’, edging Alfa Romeo and Haas. Ahead were heavyweights like Red Bull and Renault, but the team outperformed expectations post-rebrand.

This result validated the Stroll investment, setting foundations for 2020 podiums.

Strategic Approaches and Sponsor Influence

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer emphasized data-driven decisions. Pit strategies shone in variable weather, like Germany. BWT and SportPesa sponsorships provided financial stability, funding developments.

The pink livery not only aided branding but improved thermal management per some analyses.

Challenges Faced During the Campaign

Reliability niggles early on cost points, with Stroll retiring in Bahrain and Spain. Pérez suffered retirements in Monaco and Mexico. Midfield scraps led to contact, like Stroll’s USA clash. Yet, the team adapted, minimizing DNFs later.

Legacy and Path to Aston Martin

2019 solidified Racing Point’s viability, paving rebrand to Aston Martin in 2021. Pérez and Stroll’s efforts built momentum, with Stroll’s family stake ensuring continuity. The RP19’s success highlighted engineering prowess amid regulatory scrutiny.

FAQs

What was the Racing Point RP19’s best result in 2019?

Lance Stroll’s P4 in Germany stood out, with Pérez’s P6 in Azerbaijan close behind.

Who drove for Racing Point in 2019?

Sergio Pérez and Lance Stroll were the full-season drivers.

Did Racing Point win any races in 2019?

No wins, but strong midfield points haul secured 7th.

What engine powered the RP19?

BWT Mercedes V6 turbo-hybrid.

How did Racing Point form?

From Force India asset purchase in 2018 by Stroll-led consortium.