Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack lavished praise on Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll for their unwavering support during the team's performance slump in 2023.
The Silverstone-based outfit had made a remarkable start to the 2023 season, emerging as Red Bull's closest contender with their AMR23 car. Alonso secured podium finishes in six of the opening eight races, showcasing the team's potential.
However, Aston’s momentum subsided as other teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari, made significant strides in car development.
McLaren in particular capitalized on mid-season upgrades to become Red Bull’s closest rival and to challenge for a spot among the top five in F1’s Constructors’ standings.
Aston was ultimately forced to cede fourth to team papaya while salvaging fifth for itself, which nevertheless marked a significant improvement over its seventh place in last year’s ranking.
Krack acknowledged the team's performance dip but commended Alonso and Stroll for their unwavering commitment and professionalism throughout the challenging period.
“I am full of admiration for the drivers this year,” said Krack in a review of Aston’s campaign published on the team’s website.
“They've made us a better team. I think you find out more about their character in the tough races.
©AstonMartin
“Mexico was a good example. After that race, they were constructive in the briefings and stuck by us when talking to the media.
“They could have been really negative in the press – and we would have deserved it for failing to give them a competitive car that weekend – but neither did. Instead, both expressed their faith in the long-term goals and journey we're on. For me, that stands out.
“In other teams, you often see drivers going to the media to shift blame for poor results onto the team.
“Lance and Fernando haven't adopted that mentality. It isn't the drivers and the team here; the drivers are part of the team. I think in this regard, we're perhaps a little bit different from our competitors.”
Alonso’s scintillating campaign with Aston and the acclaim it produced by Krack have been well chronicled.
Stroll’s season on the other hand was a mixed bag. The Canadian enjoyed a good start despite his pre-season cycling crash but struggles emerged when Aston’s form tailed off, to the point where many questioned how long the team could afford to keep Lawrence Stroll’s son in his seat.
Yet Krack insists the 25-year-old is in a “great place” following his string of top-ten finishes in the final three rounds of the season.
“He's relaxed and self-confident,” said the Aston boss. “You can see it in his body language. It's very impressive how he has developed as a driver this year.
“He had the injury pre-season, which put him on the back foot, but he showed real grit and determination to get back behind the wheel as quickly as possible. And, despite all he had been through, he was still very fast.
“Then, later in the season, he came back fighting after a tough phase. He had a lot of pressure to deal with and handled it with a lot of assurance.
“I wish the season would have been a bit longer for him because he's been really fast in the final rounds. We can build on that.
“That's what needs to happen now, he just needs to pick up where he left off this season. He's overcome many challenges this year and now he's very much on the up.”
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