‘Not surprised to be winning races’: Mike Krack on Aston Martin’s plan

Lawrence Stroll has a five-year plan for Aston Martin to win the championship.

Aston Martin team principal, Mike Krack, reckons that his team can establish themselves as frequent visitors to the podium in the coming years.

The British side had a sluggish 2021, finishing seventh in the Constructors’ Standings with their new driver pairing of Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel.

2022 has not gone much better – it has in fact been worse.

Vettel and Stroll have managed points seven times between them in the opening 13 rounds of the season and, where they had managed P2 through the German in the opening six rounds, their best finish this year has been P6 at the same venue with the same driver.

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The Silverstone-based side’s performance has been a key issue in denying them the chance to score points this season, and they are down in ninth in the Constructors’ Standings.

There is a bit of head scratching to do over the next four weeks as Formula 1 teams enjoy a well-deserved summer break, but there is also room for optimism too.

The upgrades brought in this season are expected to give the team a better base to build from going forward, and the new arrival next season is something to be excited for as well.

Fernando Alonso is set to leave Alpine to replace the retiring Vettel in 2022, while the auxiliary factory in Silverstone has been built.

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Aston Martin are expected to go in the same direction as Red Bull and use the additional facility as an engine department from the 2026 season, so there is plenty to look forward to in the coming years.

“In the future, I see Aston Martin F1 as a team where success is the norm,” Krack said in an interview for the team’s website.

“I see a team that’s not surprised to be on the podium, that’s not surprised to be winning races.

“We need to reach a point where we’re constantly delivering excellent results on the track, but also believe in our ability to do so.

“We’re talking about building a winning culture here – this takes time – and, first, we have to develop a faster car. 

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“Our journey has only just begun and there will be challenges, but the fighting spirit of Aston Martin F1 is second to none and born out of the passion of our people.

“It’s a team I’m incredibly proud to be a part of and I’m very excited for what the future holds.”

With Alonso signed up for next year, Stroll has also re-signed with the team that will be looking to climb back towards the top of the midfield next season.