Aston Martin F1 will begin a final hat-trick of races with the worry of a difficult end to the season, while the American tour was very difficult for the team. Mike Krack, the director of the Silverstone structure, draws a very disappointed first assessment of this 2024 financial year for Aston Martin.
“It was our hardest season because we didn’t achieve our own goals.” Krack said. “We set ourselves the challenge of creating a car that we can continually develop to fight with the top four teams, but we have not succeeded.”
“We have to be honest about it. We have to accept the situation, learn as much as we can and understand the mistakes we made in order to find the best way forward.”
“I must also praise the team spirit that was shown on the circuits and at Silverstone. In Brazil, despite all expectations, the team rebuilt two cars in record time. The teamwork was was incredible and made me proud.”
“At the factory, they produced new parts in our new infrastructure in record time, and following the highest quality standards. Everyone works together without complaining, just collaborating. When I see that, I I’m confident we can achieve this together. We just need time.”
“It would have been nice not to have these difficult moments, but the reality is that it is useful learning. To be honest, these phases serve a purpose and we gain understanding.”
“We have to walk a fine line between being self-critical without falling into self-destruction. Being depressed about the situation won’t get us anywhere, but it’s hard. It would be a lie to say it isn’t the case .”
Aston Martin’s difficulties are amplified by the small gaps in the current peloton: “I think this year shows how competitive and complex our sport is. You can’t come in and explode straight away. The field has tightened up this year and the gaps are very tight.”
“Qualifying in Mexico was a good example, the car came alive and we found ourselves catapulted into the top 10 while we were expecting an elimination in Q1, which makes us the winner, but if we qualify 18th, our weekend -end is compromised, and each scenario is determined by a tenth, or even less.”
“I think it’s become normalized. It’s an exposed sport, it’s very easy to go from zero to hero to zero again, and very quickly. You have to develop some resilience and not be too emotionally attached to performance. The way to do it is to work hard, make good decisions and learn from mistakes.”
Krack explains what his role is in front of the troops to hold the team together: “Absolutely. You have to lead by example. When you’re walking in the garage or sitting on the pit wall, even if you’re feeling down, you can’t let it show in your body language.”
“The team will notice because they’re looking at you for clues. It’s important to talk about these things, to share the vision of what we’re going to do moving forward, to make sure that everyone buys into it and makes sure that everyone enjoys the good days when they come…and they will come.”
