Aston Martin F1 team launches new concert space

Aston Martin A young man wearing a black top and holding a black and white guitar leaning up against a green British formula one car Aston Martin
Andrew Cushin is the first artist to perform at the space

The Aston Martin Formula One team has formally launched its new event space in an effort to bring together motorsport and music.

The Silverstone-based outfit opened up its £200m site to host its first Soundcheck event.

The Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand experience centre, complete with a stage, where rising Newcastle upon Tyne singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin headlined the event.

Will Hings, spokesman for Aston Martin, said: "We wanted to find a way to bring Formula 1 and music closer together, and also celebrate and support new talent."

Aston Martin Andrew Cushin sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar and mic. Behind him is an Aston Martin F1 car bathed in violet light.Aston Martin
Andrew Cushin said it was a "new experience" being on stage with a Formula 1 car

The Racing Point F1 team was rebranded with the famous British manufacturer's name in 2021.

The team, owned by Lawrence Stroll, features drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, who was on the podium six times in the first eight races.

Shutterstock A green racing car with large shiny wheels driving forwards on the track with other cars behind it.Shutterstock
Aston Martin is fifth in the constructors' standings with only one race left before the end of the F1 season

Sophie Ackland, chief people officer at the F1 team, said: "This campus is so incredibly special and it's absolutely crucial in terms of our strategy for becoming a world championship winning team.

"They dedicate their lives to this and work so incredibly hard to be a part of this team."

Cushin said: "It's an honour to be playing here; it's a new experience for me to be playing in front of a Formula 1 car.

"I’ve always felt music and sport belong together so I’m really proud to begin collaborating with a brand that values creativity and inclusivity."

Andrew Cushin joins BBC Introducing in the North East's Nick Roberts in 2023 to chat and play tracks from his debut album

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