Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has thanked Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll for their lack of complaints after a difficult race at the Mexican Grand Prix during the Formula 1 2023 season.
Despite not being able to maintain his early season podium charge, Alonso enjoyed his best F1 season since he drove for Ferrari, achieving eight podiums and coming agonisingly close to a pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix.
But there was one skill of his that team boss Mike Krack found particularly useful while the team were going through a rough spell.
Krack: Alonso and Stroll could have complained
After suffering a nightmare weekend in Mexico, with neither driving making it through to Q3 before both cars eventually recorded DNF results, Krack believes it showed the class of Stroll and Alonso.
“I am full of admiration for the drivers this year. They've made us a better team,” he said. “I think you find out more about their character in the tough races, and Mexico was a good example.
“After that race, they were constructive in the briefings and stuck by us when talking to the media. They could have been really negative in the press – and we would have deserved it for failing to give them a competitive car that weekend – but neither did.
“Instead, both expressed their faith in the long-term goals and journey we're on. For me, that stands out.
“It isn't the drivers and the team here; the drivers are part of the team. I think in this regard, we're perhaps a little bit different from our competitors.”