Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has acknowledged that his team has slipped down the pecking order in Formula 1 and emphasized the need to "recover" and "close the gap" in order to regain their competitive edge. Aston Martin started the 2023 season on a high note, with the team finishing on the podium in six out of the first eight races. However, their performance has waned in recent races, and they now find themselves as the fifth-fastest team on the grid.
Krack's admission came during a press conference in Belgium last month, where he agreed with driver Fernando Alonso's assessment of the team's position. Alonso had remarked that Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari had made significant improvements, pushing Aston Martin down the pecking order.
Speaking about the reasons behind their decline, Krack highlighted the complexities of building and refining Formula 1 cars. He explained that while teams constantly strive to bring upgrades, sometimes these changes can have unintended consequences, such as creating side effects or altering the car's balance. These effects may only become apparent when drivers actually get behind the wheel.
Furthermore, Krack acknowledged that their competitors had made substantial progress, further contributing to their drop in performance. Aston Martin's main focus now is to analyze these developments, understand them, and work diligently to rectify the situation. They made some last-minute upgrades ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, which seemed to have a positive impact on their performance. However, Krack emphasized that there is still work to be done to close the gap and return to their former competitiveness.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Krack expressed optimism about the team's prospects. While he acknowledged the difficulty of making up three positions in such a competitive field, he emphasized that the gaps between teams are narrow. Aston Martin has witnessed firsthand how much they have lost relative to their rivals and is committed to recovering their lost ground and striving for further improvement.
In terms of their plans moving forward, Krack hinted at upcoming developments for the next race at Zandvoort. These developments will play a critical role in their quest to regain their position among the top contenders in Formula 1. Krack's ultimate goal is to close the gap and once again challenge for podium finishes and potentially move back up to being the second-fastest team on the grid.
The challenges Aston Martin faces are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The Formula 1 landscape is constantly evolving, with teams making strides and encountering setbacks over the course of a season. Aston Martin's determination to recover and close the gap is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their hunger for success.
As the season resumes after the summer break, all eyes will be on Aston Martin to see if they can execute their recovery plan successfully. The coming races will test their ability to adapt, refine their car's performance, and outperform their competitors. The Formula 1 world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Aston Martin's journey and the potential resurgence of this historic team.
