Aston Martin’s Team Principal, Mike Krack, has attributed the team’s recent success to the input of Sebastian Vettel, who retired at the end of 2022. Vettel, the 4x WDC, champion joined Aston Martin in 2021 after taking a leave from Scuderia Ferrari.
Despite displaying moments of brilliance, Vettel was unable to add to his tally of 53 Grand Prix wins, with Aston Martin finishing seventh in the Constructors’ Championship during the two years he was a part of the team.
Following Vettel’s departure, Fernando Alonso took his place in the team, and his arrival coincided with a significant improvement in Aston Martin‘s performance. The team is currently in second place in the Constructors’ standings after three races, with Alonso achieving three podium finishes.
Ooohhhh Fernando Alonso! 👏 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/Q0NjhLauTm
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 5, 2023
Krack paid tribute to the German driver, despite his absence from the team, and acknowledged that the team’s current competitiveness is partly due to the influence of the former driver during the 2022 season. The team’s recent success is a testament to the impact that drivers can have on a team’s performance, even after they have moved on.
Sebastian Vettel on Aston Martin’s success
The recent success of Fernando Alonso has pleasantly surprised many, but it also raises questions about Sebastian Vettel‘s departure and only if he stayed for one more year, he could have potentially achieved the same success.
However, the German himself has put these thoughts to rest, expressing his approval of Alonso’s achievements. The former driver wishes nothing but the best for Alonso and is proud of the man who succeeded him at Aston Martin.
During an event hosted by Bio Bienen Apfel, Vettel spoke to the media and made it clear that he has no regrets and stated that while it would have been easier for him if he had a car as good as Alonso’s, he is content with his current situation and enjoying his present circumstances and is pleased with Alonso’s achievements and experiencing a second spring or honeymoon since it had been a while that the Spaniard received a good car.
Mike Krack has confirmed that Aston Martin “100%” considered contacting Sebastian Vettel to replace Lance Stroll for the Bahrain GP.
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 29, 2023
“Tempted? Yes, 100%. But we didn’t do it, because we have such a high respect for Sebastian and his decision that he made at the time.”
“I think… pic.twitter.com/kFeQ65kjTb
As a genuine leader and a beacon of hope for his team, Alonso’s success has put Aston Martin on the map. As the underdogs, they continue to climb their way up the table, and this is something to look forward to in the 2023 season. Vettel has given his approval to Alonso and his team, and while it’s impossible to know what could have been, the present situation is satisfying for all parties involved.