Aston Martin was the biggest surprise at the start of the 2023 Formula 1 season. While Red Bull was on top as expected, their closest rivals were neither Mercedes nor Ferrari. The mean green machine led by Mike Crack and driven by Fernando Alonso was seemingly always on the podium.
Early Season Wonder
Aston Martin, with the input of Dan Fallows, made an extremely competitive race car. The car was genuinely the second-fastest on race pace. In the hands of Fernando Alonso, it finished on the podium regularly alongside the two Red Bull cars. Fernando Alonso was even a genuine contender for the pole position and the race win at Monaco.
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In the first 6 races of the season, Fernando Alonso got 5 podiums. The team scored more points than everyone apart from Red Bull. If not for Lance Stroll’s struggles, they would have had a much bigger advantage. Gone were the days of frustrated radio messages from the Spaniard. He was now regularly joking, watching the races on the big screens, suggesting his brake balance to Stroll, and even commending his moves while racing.
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Wrong Development Direction
Mike Crack has admitted that Aston Martin took some wrong steps in their development. This hampered their progress and made them lose their early season advantage to other teams. He says a few upgrades they brought had adverse effects which they are only just realizing. In the last 6 races, they were outscored by Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Mike Crack insists that the team’s finishing positions don’t completely reflect their performance. While he agrees other teams have gained on them, he doesn’t believe it’s by a lot. A powerful showing at the last race in Belgium supports his statement.
Mike Crack says that the team just has to gain more ground now. The grid has been very competitive behind Red Bull. The runners-up spot keeps changing every race. Therefore, it is possible to make a comeback with half the season still left.
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