Aston Martin boss Mike Krack asserts that the team’s slump midway through the 2023 Formula 1 season only served to strengthen its relationship with Fernando Alonso.
Alonso replaced the retiring Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin over the winter and capitalised on its resurgence to open the year with six podiums in the first eight races.
However, the Silverstone-based squad struggled to maintain that early season momentum, dropping from third in the Constructors’ Championship down to fifth.
But Krack believes the rut that succeeded Aston Martin’s “honeymoon” run solidified the collective spirit that has placed the side in a stronger position heading into 2024.
Asked to describe how Alonso’s arrival benefitted the entire team, Krack said: “It’s really good. At the beginning I thought it was [a] honeymoon [period]. And then we had more difficult times as a team as well.
“I think with the real qualities of the team, of Fernando, of Lance [Stroll] we stuck together. It was really difficult times maybe a couple of races ago. And I think the relationship became even stronger through that.”
Pressed to offer examples, Krack added: “Super constructive, both drivers. They agree with each other about that the main problems. And it was always constructive.
“Wherever we were, even at Silverstone being at the track, it was really always factual. You know, not bringing emotion in or whatever so that was a pleasure to see.”
In a late bid to reverse its collapse in form, Aston Martin introduced an upgrade package in the United States. But the British marque encountered trouble optimising its latest developments, which resulted in both cars being withdrawn to the pit lane and Alonso reverting to an older spec of the AMR23.
Having experienced more struggles in Mexico, Aston Martin’s learnings enabled Alonso to return to the podium in Brazil, only his second top-three race finish since July.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Krack commended the Spaniard’s attitude to continuing to support the team through the tough spell that proved costly in its fight with McLaren.
“As a team, we were blown away from the first day – until today actually,” Krack expanded. “I’m quite happy that we have managed to extend the honeymoon. I think we have received a remarkable team player, constructive at all times, especially when it was difficult.
“When the car was competitive – or, more competitive – it’s obviously easier to be constructive but the true qualities came out, and let’s take this Mexico example, that both drivers, it would have been easy to take the microphones and slam the team, go against the team, and it would probably have been deserved but I think the true qualities of the team-playing character of both drivers came out in that time.
“And, for me, that is one of the highlights of the season, as a team, that we managed to stick together in that time.”
Alonso’s consistency throughout the year saw him prevail in a four-driver contest for fourth position in the Drivers’ standings, achieving his highest placing in 10 years.
The two-time World Champion, who branded his debut season with Aston Martin his greatest in F1 since 2012, retains a contract that runs until the end of next season.
When asked whether there was already an intent to renew the agreement on the team’s side, Krack replied: “I think I don’t have to answer that question. Absolutely yes!”
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