How Aston Martin Steered Clear of Blame After 2022 F1 Debacle

This year, Aston Martin’s AMR23 made waves in F1, with enormous potential that was rumored even before pre-season testing began.

Rumors about the car’s exceptional capabilities were verified in Bahrain, with a revitalized Fernando Alonso reaching the podium, and an injured Lance Stroll finishing sixth, marking the first of Alonso’s six podium appearances.

Instead of just a rise in form, Aston Martin’s results marked a significant comeback. The team ended 2022 at a disappointing seventh place in the championship, with departing Sebastian Vettel managing only 37 points, and Stroll just 18.

Lawrence Stroll, the highly ambitious owner of the team, increased pressure on the former Racing Point squad. Throughout the first half of 2022, Vettel and Stroll frequently struggled, particularly at the Australian Grand Prix, where they qualified 18th and 20th, and Stroll nearly ended a lap behind.

However, rather than succumbing to fear or letting a culture of blame infect the Silverstone headquarters, team principal Krack described how they maintained their composure and slowly worked their way back into competition.

Krack recalled the early challenges of 2022 in an exclusive interview with F1 Flow.com. He emphasized the importance of team unity and constructive collaboration, acknowledging the valuable contributions of new team members Dan Fallows and Eric Blandin.

At the lowest point in 2022, competing with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes was an unattainable goal, but Aston Martin began to systematically address its issues, initiating a significant recovery effort that set the stage for 2023 success.

Though the season’s end came too late for Aston Martin to achieve their midfield goals, Vettel and Stroll showed promise by reducing their gap to the pole, signaling the team’s positive trajectory.

Krack, a native of Luxembourg, noted that they knew they could not accomplish miracles, but they focused on gradual improvements, leading to substantial progress by the end of the year.

The transformation for the 2023 project was nearly complete, with a “95% different” car. It quickly earned the nickname ‘green Red Bull’, a term that undervalued the Silverstone team’s unique design.

In Bahrain, the car reached the podium with veteran Alonso, who achieved six top-three finishes. Aston Martin’s performance matched its goals, surprising even the team itself with its competitive edge.

Krack emphasized that the team did not exceed expectations but realized the progress they sought. The Bahrain test was a revelation, and qualifying exposed the truth of their potential.

Aston Martin’s first podium in Bahrain validated the calm and strategic approach of its management.

In subsequent races, challenges arose as Mercedes, a revitalized McLaren, and to some extent, Ferrari, put up stronger competition. But whether Aston lost its development edge or faced regulation constraints, Krack felt that the recent struggles would temper any overexcitement after early triumphs.

He highlighted the importance of celebrating success but also maintaining focus, stating, “It’s a balancing act between getting carried away and staying humble. We still have a long way to go.”

The team’s spirit and dedication to hard work were evident as they cheered Fernando Alonso’s third-place finish across the line, marking a new chapter in Aston Martin’s F1 story.

Photo by: Zak Mauger / F1 Flow Images