Aston Martin Faces Huge Pressure to Revive Formula 1 Results, Says Team Principal Mike Krack
As the Formula 1 season unfolds, Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has acknowledged the immense pressure within the squad to revive its Formula 1 results. This admission comes amidst a challenging year for the team, which has struggled to replicate its impressive gains from the 2022-2023 off-season.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com at the British Grand Prix, Krack conceded that Aston Martin’s early 2023 form was “flattering and probably not a true reflection of where we really were as a team” due to others underperforming. The team’s year-on-year gains were impressive last season, but rivals Ferrari and Mercedes eventually caught up by adopting the same aerodynamic path as Red Bull, while McLaren leapfrogged all three squads to trail behind Red Bull.
Aston Martin’s current position in the constructors’ standings – fifth – is a far cry from its podium finishes and near-win at Monaco last season. The team’s Imola upgrade package, which included new front wing, floor, and rear aero parts, unfortunately backfired, leading to a loss of ground. Although alterations have been made to recover, the team’s best result remains fifth.
When asked about owner Lawrence Stroll’s view on Aston Martin’s situation, Krack replied that there are two aspects to consider. On one hand, the team must make progress compared to the competition over the years, which requires ambitious targets, planning, and patience. On the other hand, when upgrades don’t deliver the expected performance, the pressure increases, and rightly so.
Krack acknowledges that the outside perception of the team going backwards is not entirely wrong, and the pressure inside is immense. However, he believes Stroll, with his extensive experience in Formula 1, understands that reviving the team’s fortunes takes time.
Aston Martin has also made changes at the top of its management structure, with Andy Cowell, the former Mercedes engine chief, set to replace Martin Whitmarsh as group CEO in October. The team is now focused on recovering its car development ground and getting back on track to meet its ambitious targets in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
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