One of the biggest surprises of the 2023 Formula 1 season is undeniably Aston Martin, a team that looked fairly underwhelming since its sensational return to the sport in 2021. Upon arrival, Lawrence Stroll and Co. launched a massive shakedown within the management, sacking quite a lot of professionals that had significant roles in the team since the Force India era.
Otmar Szafnauer, the team principal who contributed to the success of Force India and Racing Point, found himself being replaced by Mike Krack. But, of course, the biggest surprise arrived from the driver’s line-up itself when the Stroll-led outfit decided to terminate its contract with Sergio Perez and opted for a more successful and technically sound Sebastian Vettel.
A season to remember on and off the track, and we’re only halfway through.
Here are a collection of memorable on- and off-track moments to reflect on from a rollercoaster first half of the 2023 campaign for the team.
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 11, 2023
The German, strangely enough, was stranded outside the doors of Ferrari after an awry end to their relationship in 2020. Hence, Aston Martin swooped down to grab the four-time world champion and went on to have a bitter-sweet journey together. Of course, not to forget the lone podium and the frequent battles in the top 10.
Unfortunately, having suffered the worst of Aston Martin, Vettel isn’t here to embrace the success the team has managed to produce this year around. Hence, the entire motorsport community reckoned that there is a sense of regret in Vettel and his decision to retire from Formula 1.
Sebastian Vettel happy for Fernando Alonso and his timely union with Aston Martin
Speaking to Red Bulletin, Vettel publicly acknowledged that he does regret retiring from the sport at what seemed like the worst possible time. “The first reaction of many people was: ‘The fact that the Aston Martin is so fast this season must be getting on your nerves by now?’,” the former Red Bull driver said.
Bahrain 2023
Podium 99 for Fernando Alonso pic.twitter.com/Zitb3nxklo— Aston Martin F1 updates (@startonpole) August 12, 2023
“Okay, maybe it would be easier if the car was total rubbish in the sense of: ‘I’m not missing anything anyway.’ No, I’m primarily happy for the team. And I’m happy for Fernando Alonso. For many years he didn’t have a car in which he could show his driving class. Now he can and he’s at the front.”
Overall, Aston Martin is looking solid at the moment, having scalped six podiums before the summer break. Hence, with another 10 races still to go along with promising updates, where do you see Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll seeing off the season? Will the pair be able to defeat the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren to claim its first-ever P2 finish in the constructors’ standings?