Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack acknowledges that Fernando Alonso’s move to the team could be “difficult” but is confident the pros of the decision outweigh the cons.
The Spaniard will be replacing Sebastian Vettel at the Silverstone-based team next year, with the German retiring from Formula 1.
This move raised eyebrows throughout the F1 world with many confused why the Spaniard would swap his seat at Alpine, who currently sit P4 in the constructors championship, for one at Aston Martin who are languishing in P9.
Fans of the 41-year-old may remember how sparks would fly at his former teams when they failed to match his demands with his team radio messages at McLaren now infamous as Fernando became frustrated at the lack of competitiveness the team could provide.
Aston Martin have been reminded of this reputation but remain positive about the appointment.
Krack insisted that Alonso will be a good addition to the team and will help drive them forward.
“We discussed this,” Krack told the BBC. “What are the pros and cons?’ And we came to the conclusion that this is the right step.”
Continuing, he said: “He can push us, more than a driver who does not have that calibre” explained Krack.
“Normally, drivers with this experience, they do not have this desire to win. Normally, this desire goes down, especially is they have won already.”
However, Krack believes this isn’t the case with Alonso, despite him being in the twilight of his career.
“Fernando has this unique combination of speed, hunger, motivation and experience. For us, it makes the perfect candidate.”
The Aston Martin team principal believes that an honest and trusting relationship is key to a successful relationship and that if the team explain their decisions to the driver then there should be no break down.
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“Difficulties arise when expectation does not match deliverables, or when it’s not outspoken. He knows very well when he comes here that we will probably not win the first race together.
“But he can be assured we give it everything and we will listen to what he has to say. And if we cannot deliver on something we have to tell him, open and transparently: ‘Look, this we cannot do. With all possibilities, this is what we can do next.’
“I think if we have this kind of dialogue, it is not going to be problematic,” he concluded.