Aston Martin acknowledges its mistake of testing components for 2024 on the AMR23
Aston Martin has encountered significant development difficulties. The team has admitted to making a mistake in its strategy by implementing the planned innovations for 2024 on its 2023 car.
The English team, having achieved three podium finishes in the first three races, faced significant difficulties in improving their car. The performances have declined, just like the team’s position in the constructors’ championship. The developments made did not bring about major changes to the cars, unlike their competitors such as Mercedes and McLaren. Prior to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the team is ranked 5th in the championship.
Due to this poor performance and developmental issues, the period from Austin to Mexico was challenging for the team. Progress was not satisfactory on both circuits. However, the weekend at Interlagos reassured Aston Martin.
A regretted strategy
In 2023, Aston Martin embarked on a particular development strategy. The team primarily focused on developing components for the 2024 car, including the floor, adapting them to the AMR23. Between the United States and Mexican Grand Prix, Mike Krack’s team tested these innovations on their cars, to no avail. Fernando Alonso in particular admitted that these real-life tests had been « painful to endure. « We had to experiment with certain elements on the car to truly understand the direction we were taking, and that also applies to next year’s car », explained the two-time World Champion. « So, these races were challenging, especially in Mexico. I think we were very slow. »
At Interlagos, the weekend was solid for both drivers. The car seemed better balanced and more performant. Tom McCullough, Performance Director at Aston Martin, admitted that it was a strategic mistake for the team to carry out these tests during the middle of the season.
« We are now focusing, in the upcoming races, on obtaining the highest possible number of points, rather than pursuing too many projects. We have embarked on thorough testing to understand next year’s car. It is difficult to conduct all these research and developments, especially during a sprint event. We have introduced some parts to test them. We have done a bit too much R&D in public, and this happened during two race weekends, which, in hindsight, may not have been the best thing to do. But we are rather satisfied with having gained a good understanding of how to develop the car, which is crucial for next year. »
Good omen for 2024
Aston Martin paid the price for this early development for 2024. The team was unable to compete with its rivals. However, for a team that finished 7th with only 55 points in the constructors’ standings in 2022, it was necessary to test strategies and settings. The British team is not used to playing leading roles, so it was necessary to gain experience in practically every area of the garage. After sacrificing results, according to team director Mike Krack, the team is optimistic about the progress made.
“This isn’t for the public, it’s for ourselves,” justified the 51-year-old director. “We wanted to learn as much as possible for next year. But obviously, that came at the expense of the results… You have a range of parts that you combine. Cars are very complex and you really need to understand the different areas and how they interact with each other.”
Before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Aston Martin ranks 5th in the constructors’ championship, with a lag of 21 points behind McLaren.
