Aston Martin boss Mike Krak summarised the Silverstone-based team’s difficult first half of the season in an interview with the team’s press office, discussed short- and medium-term plans and hinted at a possible contract with Adrian Newey.
Q: The team brought a lot of new products to the Hungarian Grand Prix, including a new floorpan, but did not make a significant step forward in terms of competitiveness. Did the new products work or not?
Mike Krak: The new products we brought to Hungary work. It’s not just about making the car faster for the rest of the season. It’s also about realizing that we understand the car and how we can improve it.
We know the updates work, if they didn’t work that would be a problem because it would mean we don’t understand our machine very well.
From a technical perspective, I see light at the end of the tunnel. I trust our engineers, their approach to the development of the car and the aerodynamics. We are on the right track and will have a better second half of the season. Normally I am not so bold in my statements, but we know what we have.
Q: Not all the new products presented during the season brought the expected results. Why does this happen with all the resources that the Formula 1 team has?
Mike Krak: Some previous updates did not have exactly the effect we expected. The trend was correct, but the expected gains in some areas were not as large as predicted. At the same time, the corresponding losses in other areas were larger than expected.
The net effect is that the update is less effective than we had hoped. But it’s not really a case of something going wrong, it’s just a matter of degree of effectiveness.
Q: Sometimes drivers have criticized the AMR24. How do you respond to this?
Mike Krak: Both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso have done well this season in a car that is difficult to drive. We have two world-class drivers and we have to give them the best car. And we will do this because we have a world-class team. If we give Lance and Fernando the right technique, they will deliver results.
The team has had a few frustrating months. From time to time Lance and Fernando have been public about their frustrations. I am not against it and I think we should take their side.
They are top athletes, but they are also people. They get out of the car after the race, they are full of adrenaline, they are exhausted and microphones are immediately brought to them. Racers are always open and it is our job to be on their side.
Q: Has the team already shifted its focus from 2024 to preparing for the 2025 season?
Mike Krak: We have a few more updates planned for the AMR24 for the second half of the season, and only then will all efforts be focused on the 2025 car.
It is necessary to remain realistic and take into account the gaps with the opponents in front and behind. In 2024 we will not give up the fight, but the focus will be on preparing for 2025. However, working on the current car is very important because it helps us choose the development direction for next year. The regulations do not change, so everything we learn now, we will take with us in 2025.
Q: In recent months, top-notch specialists such as Bob Bell, Andy Cowell and Enrico Cardile have joined the team. Can we expect other big names to join Aston Martin? Adrian Newey will soon be a free agent.
Mike Krak: The team is still in a growth phase, so we have to remain open, both in terms of personnel selection and car development. Formula 1 is not a sport that encourages consolidation.
Of course, all work should be built around a stable core. A team needs connections and trust, and it can take a long time to build that, but we should never sit back and say, “We’re doing fine.” You should always be looking at what you can do better. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to make changes, but it’s a question you should keep asking.
We’ve announced several top team recruits over the last few months, and every time a new member comes on board, I’m asked, “Is this the final piece of the puzzle?” No, it’s not. We’re continuing to evaluate our options, because maybe there’s someone else out there who can make us better.
But it is important not to forget that we have a lot of talent in our team, that we are constantly developing in our organization. But we are looking at what options there are outside the team, because we need to stay dynamic and open to new perspectives. But at the same time, it is necessary to give current employees the opportunity to grow and of course take more responsibility.
Q: What parting words did you give to the team before the summer holidays?
Mike Krak: When I got back to base from Spa, I turned to the team and said that first of all, it was necessary to rest during these two weeks. Everyone had worked hard and everyone needed a break. But I also said that if they were thinking about work, this was a good opportunity to think in a less stressful environment about what we do, how we do it and what we can do better.
If someone comes back from a vacation with an idea on how to do their job better, the whole team benefits. But don’t work while you’re on vacation, because it’s vacation!
I am looking forward to the second half of the season and am proud of the team for the focus and determination they have shown. The mood is positive and everyone is giving it their all. Whether it is reliability on the track, progress in aerodynamic developments, the speed of production of new parts.
Every indicator, except the points earned, shows that we are going in the right direction. I am convinced that we are on the right track.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
