Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has sparked debate by insisting that the performance gap between two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll is far narrower than the numbers suggest. But is that really the case?
A Struggling 2024 Season for Aston Martin
For Aston Martin, the 2024 Formula 1 season was anything but memorable. The team’s struggles with the AMR24’s drivability left both drivers grappling to stay competitive.
The stats paint a stark picture:
- Fernando Alonso finished 9th in the Drivers’ Championship, collecting 76 points.
- Lance Stroll ended 12th, managing just 30 points.
While the numbers suggest a clear divide, Krack insists the reality is far more nuanced, blaming the car’s challenging characteristics for skewing perceptions.
Krack: “The Gap Isn’t as Big as It Seems”
Krack defended Stroll, emphasizing that small moments and the AMR24’s unpredictability have contributed to the perceived disparity.
“The car is super-difficult to drive,” Krack told es.motorsport. “Sometimes it’s very small margins that make the difference.”
He cited moments like Lance Stroll’s impressive sector times compared to Alonso during qualifying as evidence of the Canadian’s capability.
“We saw Lance do a brilliant sector two on used tyres, quicker than Fernando, so it really is sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Krack explained. “I think, in general, there is not that much difference between the two.”
However, Krack acknowledged the AMR24’s flaws, admitting that the car itself made it difficult to predict or optimize performance.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Alonso Dominates
Despite Krack’s defense, Alonso’s superior consistency and racecraft were evident throughout the season.
- 2024: Alonso finished 46 points ahead of Stroll.
- 2023: When the car was more competitive, Alonso outscored Stroll by a massive 132 points.
Alonso’s wealth of experience and ability to extract the best from even an uncooperative car solidify his status as the team’s top driver.
Stroll Under the Microscope
Lance Stroll’s tenure at Aston Martin has been clouded by criticism, with detractors pointing to his father Lawrence Stroll’s ownership stake as the reason for his continued presence in the team.
His performances have often been labeled inconsistent, and his demeanor on and off the track has drawn scrutiny:
- Qatar 2023 Incident: Stroll shoved his trainer Henry Howe in frustration after a dismal qualifying session, sparking controversy.
- Emotional Outbursts: His aloof behavior and short post-race interviews have raised questions about his mindset and resilience under pressure.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Stroll’s inability to match Alonso over two seasons has kept him under the media’s spotlight.
The Road Ahead for Aston Martin
Krack’s comments come as Aston Martin looks to regroup and rebuild following two difficult seasons. While the AMR24 proved challenging, the team must address questions about its driver lineup and the car’s development to remain competitive in 2025.
For Fernando Alonso, his status as the team leader remains undisputed, while Lance Stroll must work to silence his critics and prove that he can deliver consistently, regardless of his familial connections to the team’s ownership.
Is Krack Right? Small Margins or Stark Reality?
Krack’s claim of “small margins” separating Alonso and Stroll is sure to ignite debate. While the stats favor Alonso, Stroll has shown moments of competitiveness, leaving fans to wonder if the Canadian can step up his game with a more drivable car.
For now, Aston Martin’s struggles remain a team-wide challenge, but the battle between Alonso and Stroll will undoubtedly remain a focal point in 2025.