Mike Krack: “Aston Martin is in no man’s land” / Formula 1

What a difference twelve months make: Fernando Alonso was sensational in the first part of the 2023 season, he was on the winner’s podium in the first three races (third each time) and came fourth in the fourth race. Podium finishes followed again (third in Miami, even second in Monaco).

In 2024, the 42-year-old Spaniard will have to eat the hardest bread: ninth in Bahrain, fifth in Jeddah, eighth in Melbourne, sixth in Japan. A year ago Aston Martin was second behind Red Bull Racing, now the Greens are in fifth place, one point behind Mercedes-Benz.

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack gives the following provisional conclusion: “We’re in no man’s land. We’re beating Mercedes hands down and we’re not far behind McLaren. That’s encouraging.”

“But every race weekend is just a snapshot. We will have to prove where we stand in the next races in China, Miami and Imola.”

Aston Martin took a few risks in Japan: Fernando Alonso started the race on soft tires, and everyone knows how much tire wear is on the Suzuka tarmac.

Mike Krack continued to say: “We had prayed that a few clouds would move in front of the sun, but instead the weather was good. Then the red flag helped us because of the accident of Ricciardo and Albon. If you start with a soft Pirelli and then the rollers can relax – because of an accident or a safety car phase – then tire management is much easier.

Aston Martin brought several improvements to the car in Japan, including a new AMR24 underbody. The newspaper Luxembourger Krack says: “These cars are so difficult that it takes time to fully use the new parts. In Suzuka we lost the second free practice session due to rain, so we are still learning about the recent improvements. Our opinion is: We have moved closer to the top and can hold our own among RBR followers. It must continue like this.”

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Bulls Racing, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round
outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0