Aston Martin started the 2023 Formula 1 season with a bang. They were the closest competitors to Red Bull. Fernando Alonso stood on the podium 6 times in the first 8 races, coming close to a victory at Monaco. It seemed like a win was just around the corner. However, a dip in form, the resurgence of McLaren, and Lance Stroll caused them to slip further and further in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Standings. After a strong race in Brazil, Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack said to Sky Sports they won’t give up just yet.
A Dip in Form
After a P2 finish in Canada, Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso were confident of winning a race. However, since then, every upgrade they brought made the car slower. Parallelly, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari all brought upgrades and made their cars faster. McLaren was the shocker among them.
The low performances of Lance Stroll earlier in the season hurt Aston Martin as well. Mercedes overtook them long before they dropped in the midfield due to having two consistent drivers.
In the last two races before Brazil, Aston Martin hit the tipping point. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll failed to get out of Q3 in Austin. They started the race from the pit lane and with different setups. Fernando Alonso retired in Austin. In Mexico, Aston Martin had a double DNF.
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A Comeback in Brazil
Desperate to regain some form and finish 2023 on a high, Aston Martin did something seldom done in Formula 1. They stripped a lot of their upgrades off and ran a mixed-spec car. And it worked. Fernando Alonso got back on the podium after an almighty fight with Sergio Perez. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll finished in P5.
Mike Krack Overjoyed
Mike Krack said Aston Martin needs to celebrate this result after a tough couple of months. However, he said he still thinks they can catch McLaren.
Mike Krack said, “We cannot influence what other competitors are doing. The only thing we have in our hands is to do the best possible and [be at] 100% at all times.”
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The Aston Martin boss continued, “If that is then sufficient to bring the good results like today – we must also be honest, Oscar had a problem – but this is racing. At the end of the day, you know we need to try and do everything we can over the last races and then we’ll see where we’re going to end.”
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