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“Maximum positive, I don’t see any negatives,” is how Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack rates the team’s 2023 season. Does that stack up to scrutiny given how Aston ended the season? Scott Mitchell-Malm investigates
Despite finishing the season in a less competitive form than they started, Aston Martin, Formula 1’s most improved team year-on-year, received effusive praise for their performance in 2023. The team’s points haul was five times greater than the previous year, and Fernando Alonso achieved eight podiums as a new star signing. Team principal Mike Krack described the season as “maximum positive” without any negatives. However, there was a tinge of disappointment as Aston Martin started strong but tapered off, missing out on the excitement generated by McLaren’s in-season rise. The team also faced reliability concerns, car problems, and questionable development, which partially marred their season. While the overall review of the year was positive, Krack acknowledges that when you “zoom in,” issues are uncovered, and lessons need to be taken seriously. Aston Martin faced struggles with development, infrastructure limitations, and technical challenges that exposed deficiencies and left them at the mercy of their rivals’ revival. Despite their ambitious statements, the team’s declining one-lap pace compared to early-season competitors exposed the fragility of their early position, highlighting the areas they did not adequately control.
