Aston Martin's 2023 Formula 1 triumphs and trials: Managing expectations for 2024

The Silverstone-based team roared into the 2023 season with a bang, securing six podiums in the first eight races, showcasing substantial gains made during the winter break. However, as the F1 season progressed, Aston Martin found itself slipping down the pecking order, facing tough competition from rival teams.

Ending the year in fifth place in the Constructors' Championship, two positions higher than the previous campaign, Krack acknowledged the team's realistic approach, stating, "The first six races were incredible – but I knew there would be difficult moments that would follow."

Highlighting the fierce competition in Formula 1, Krack explained, "Very good teams that didn't start the season so well would inevitably get on top of their problems and bring the fight to us. We knew it would get harder."

Despite a challenging mid-season, Aston Martin managed to secure two more podiums in the second half, with Fernando Alonso finishing fourth in the Drivers' standings. Krack emphasized the importance of managing expectations, noting, "Expectation levels rose dramatically."

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Krack expressed caution about the team's position, stating, "We did understand the car by the end of the season – but it would be wrong to say we understood absolutely everything about the AMR23."

He added, "We know what we want to do for 2024 and the direction we need to go in with next year's car. That doesn't necessarily mean we're going to turn up at the season-opener in Bahrain next year and be fighting for the race win."

As the 2023 F1 season concludes, teams and drivers take a break until the new year, gearing up for the 2024 season with official pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 23-25.

Aston Martin's journey through triumphs and trials in 2023 sets the stage for a strategic and cautious approach in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.

 

Read More: Aston Martin's performance dip: Unpacking the Canada upgrade and future prospects (planetsport.com)