Mike Krack about development: “The magic solution? I wish I could have it.”
After a strong start to the season, Aston Martin has lost performance since the Canadian Grand Prix. While there is no panic among Mike Krack's team, the Team Principal reflects on this F1 development battle.
Fernando Alonso has achieved 6 podium finishes this season for Aston Martin, a performance that was almost unexpected after a lackluster 2022 season. However, Aston Martin managed to make a big leap forward and establish itself as a top team. However, since the Canadian Grand Prix, the Silverstone team has been struggling. They are being left behind by Mercedes and caught up by Ferrari.
Developing your car: a true strategy
Having a competitive car in Formula 1 is not the most difficult part. It’s staying competitive throughout the year and over multiple seasons that often proves to be challenging. Just ask Ferrari. In 2022, the Italian team had a perfect start before losing track of the development of their F1-75 and letting Red Bull take a significant lead. For Aston Martin, the situation is almost the same. An extremely competitive car from the start of the season, but difficulties in the last Grand Prix races. Mike Krack doesn’t dwell on it and simply wants to be cautious with the development.
« “You have to avoid making improvements just for the sake of making improvements because it’s very easy,” stated Mike Krack before continuing: « “Then, you’re burning valuable money from the cost ceiling. So it’s important that you understand what you’re doing before doing it.” » “Indeed, the budget cap plays a huge role in the development of the racecars. In case of exceeding it, the consequences could be significant.”
Aston Martin continues its journey
However, Mike Krack does not wish to change direction in the development of the AMR23. Continuing in the same direction and sticking to the plan are the guidelines set by the Team Principal of the team. “We have a development plan, and it was based on continuous development of the car and we are going to follow it. Obviously, you have to see which directions you will take, depending on what happens, but overall, we have this development race,” he explained.
However, he would also like to see his car faster or at least as fast as it was at the beginning of the season. For now, it is not possible and the team will have to be patient. « The magic solution? I wish I could have it », said Mike Krack.
The stable does not forget where it comes from
Despite this decrease in performance, Mike Krack does not forget the leap forward made by Aston Martin this winter to reach this level of competitiveness and fight for podium finishes on a regular basis. Although he would still like to push further as quickly as possible, he already realizes all the work that has been done since last winter.
« We have 10 times more points than last season and we are P3 in the championship, so expectations are increasing with your results, but obviously, you must not forget where you come from, he declared.
« In all development efforts, we must also realize that we have taken great strides and it is important to zoom in and see what you have accomplished, continued the Team Principal of the British team.
Aston Martin may have already had a successful season, but the second half will be pivotal for the future of the team.
