Fernando Alonso’s arrival at Aston Martin marked a pivotal moment in the team’s Formula One journey. At the age of 42, his performance in the 2023 season has been nothing short of remarkable. Team Principal Mike Krack has shed light on what has come to be known as the ‘Alonso factor’, drawing a fascinating comparison with the team’s former driver, Sebastian Vettel.

Four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel made a significant career move by joining Aston Martin for the 2021 season. The move came after a remarkable stint at Ferrari, where he experienced both triumph and challenge. At Aston Martin, Vettel embarked on the final chapters of his illustrious F1 career.

Vettel’s first season with Aston Martin in 2021 was one of adaptation and challenge. The team, rebranded from Racing Point, was undergoing a period of restructuring and development as it sought to climb the Formula One competitive ladder.

Vettel, known for his exceptional driving skills and strategic acumen, was faced with the task of adapting to a new environment and car dynamics. Despite these challenges, he showed flashes of brilliance, including a podium finish in Azerbaijan, demonstrating his enduring talent and determination.

 

 

Vettel’s leadership and team contribution

Beyond his performance on the track, Vettel’s role at Aston Martin went beyond driving. He brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, mentoring younger drivers such as Lance Stroll and contributing significantly to the development of the team’s car and strategies. His insights and feedback were invaluable in refining the car’s performance and his presence boosted the team’s morale and ambition.

 

 

The 2022 season: A mix of highs and lows

In 2022, Vettel’s performance fluctuated between highs and lows. While he delivered solid drives in several races, the season was also punctuated by challenges, including issues with the car’s reliability and performance. Despite these hurdles, Vettel’s resilience and competitive spirit shone through. He consistently pushed the car to its limits, often exceeding the car’s perceived capabilities.

As the 2022 season progressed, speculation about Vettel’s future in F1 grew. Ultimately, Vettel announced his decision to retire at the end of the season, marking the end of an era in the sport. His decision was influenced by a desire to spend more time with his family and a growing interest in environmental and social issues.

The Formula One community and fans around the world welcomed his retirement with respect and admiration, celebrating his remarkable career.

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Fernando Alonso’s impact on Aston Martin

Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso has not only rejuvenated his career, he has also dramatically raised Aston Martin’s status in Formula One. His exceptional skill, coupled with a relentless drive, resulted in eight podium finishes and a total of 206 points, placing him fourth in the championship. This did of course coincide with a big performance leap by the team at the beginning of the 2023 season.

Alonso’s influence extended beyond the track; his presence within the team was a catalyst for change. Often the first to arrive at the office, he set a tone of dedication and professionalism. This commitment was infectious, inspiring the team and fostering an environment of excellence and high performance.

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The Alonso-Vettel comparison

Mike Krack’s comparison between Alonso and his predecessor Sebastian Vettel was particularly revealing. While Alonso saw his time with Aston Martin as a new challenge, Vettel was in the twilight of his illustrious career. This fundamental difference in approach and mindset had a significant impact on their respective performances and contributions to the team.

“Sebastian was obviously at the end of his career,” said Krack: “He had made the decision to quit. For Fernando it was a different situation. He saw it as another challenge.”

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Krack noted that Alonso’s relentless motivation and drive were in stark contrast to Vettel’s more subdued approach in his final year. This is not to diminish Vettel’s achievements, but to highlight how Alonso’s arrival brought a new dynamism and competitive edge to the team.

“We had a driver who you could have thought was about to start his first season,” says Krack when describing Alonso.

“When you arrived in the morning, he was already sitting there and said [jokingly]: ‘Hello, guys’.”

Alonso’s performance throughout the 2023 season was a testament to his enduring skill and adaptability. His consistency, particularly in qualifying and his ability to finish races consistently, played a crucial role in Aston Martin’s success.

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Influence on team performance

The “Alonso factor” was a major contributor to Aston Martin’s fifth place finish in the Constructors’ Championship. His ability to get the most out of the AMR23 car was evident and his experience and feedback were invaluable in the development of the car.

Krack emphasised that last year’s strong performance was “also thanks to others, not just Fernando”

“But we improved much, much more than we would have done without him.”

“When you have this high driving level, this high motivation and this pressure, and when you see the record that he set in the third qualifying by always bringing the car to the finish then you don’t ask yourself the question: ‘Can the car go faster?'”

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Fernando Alonso’s 2023 season with Aston Martin was a clear demonstration of his undiminished ability as a world-class Formula One driver. His impact on the team has been profound, not just in terms of points and podiums, but in the overall ethos and spirit he has instilled.

In contrast to the end of Sebastian Vettel’s career, Alonso’s tenure at Aston Martin is a reminder of the significant impact a highly motivated and skilled driver can have on a Formula One team.

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