Mika Hakkinen hopes to see Aston Martin return to Formula One, as the double world champion thinks the iconic marque “fits perfectly” within the sport.

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley recently confirmed to F1i that negotiations are taking place between his squad and Aston Martin, but also warned that an agreement remained “a little way off”.

The deal would see Force India renamed and include sponsorship from whiskey brand Johnny Walker, which is set to leave McLaren at the end of the current campaign.

“There’s been talk about it for a long time,” Hakkinen said in his latest interview for his sponsor Hermes.

“I do not think it’s totally impossible. The Aston Martin brand fits perfectly within Formula One. I hope the deal actually happens.”

Having won his two F1 titles (1998/99) with Mercedes power, the Finn has remained an ambassador for the brand ever since retiring from motor racing.

Mercedes’ parent company Daimler currently holds a 5% stake in Aston Martin, while Hakkinen has also been “Responsible Drinking Ambassador” for Johnny Walker for many years.

Force India has been powered by Mercedes since the 2009 F1 campaign.

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