Aston Martin didn’t have too many things to celebrate in 2024. After a strong and surprising 2023 season, where Fernando Alonso kept fans entertained with regular podiums, the team’s performance took a big dive last year. But in between all the struggles, Mike Krack found a silver lining.
The team principal didn’t highlight a technical breakthrough or a standout race in 2024. Instead, he praised his drivers for staying composed. “The highlight for me is the drivers and how they coped with this” Krack said.
It would’ve been easy for Alonso and Stroll to vent their frustrations.
They could have ripped into the car’s performance or the team’s strategy in front of every microphone shoved in their faces. And Krack and the team knew that. “They could have easily gone to the media and slammed us down,” he admitted. “But they always stuck with the team.”
A team-first attitude isn’t always guaranteed in Formula 1, especially with a driver like Alonso, who has never been shy about calling out underperformance.
Stroll, reflecting on the team’s performance back in June, kept things positive. “It’s amazing to see how far the team has come since the Racing Point days,” he said. “I’m definitely here for the future.” That’s the kind of optimism you want in a rebuilding year.
Alonso’s Realistic Outlook
Alonso, though, wasn’t afraid to mix realism with a dose of frustration. Back in September, he laid it out: “As a team, we could accept not being in the top four battle. But to be behind Williams, behind Haas, I think we need to raise the bar a little bit.”
Harsh? Maybe. Honest? Absolutely.
But Alonso didn’t stop there. He also showed patience. “In Formula 1, there are not many miracles – you need to be patient,” he said. That’s not a message you’d expect from a driver with a reputation for fiery outbursts.
So, what kept the two-time champion from unloading his frustrations? Perhaps it’s the promise of a better future. The 2026 regulations are just around the corner, and with the great Adrian Newey joining in Alonso seems to be more than ready to play the long game.
For a team like Aston Martin, which secured only fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, staying positive matters. Alonso’s 70 points and Stroll’s 24 weren’t even close to threaten the top four. Mercedes, in fourth, scored 468. The gap was enormous.
Yet the drivers kept their frustrations in-house and their loyalty didn’t go unnoticed.
Everyone at Aston Martin knows the entire team has a lot of work to do. The car isn’t there yet. It might not be a solid upgrade in 2025 either.
But with drivers who remain committed through tough times, the foundation for success feels stronger. Formula 1 is not just about cars and drivers; it’s about teamwork. And in 2024, Aston Martin had plenty of that.
Who knows? Maybe 2026 will bring those miracles Alonso doesn’t believe in.
