F1 News: Alonso Compared To Vettel By Aston Martin Chief Mike Krack - "Different Situation"
Aston Martin's team principal, Mike Krack, recently lauded two-time champion Fernando Alonso for his relentless drive and positive impact on the team. Alonso's remarkable blend of experience and fresh enthusiasm has significantly boosted team morale and performance. The team chief also compared Alonso to Sebastian Vettel's approach in the team before he left at the end of the 2022 season.
Key Takeaways:
- Perpetual Passion: Fernando Alonso's long-standing career in Formula 1, dating back to 2001, hasn't dampened his fervour for racing. His return to F1 after exploring other racing disciplines showcased an undiminished enthusiasm, akin to that of a newcomer, which has been instrumental in revitalising Aston Martin's team spirit.
- Stellar Achievements: Last season, Alonso showcased his undying competitive spirit by securing fourth place overall with 206 points and claiming eight podium finishes. His performance underlines his crucial role in driving Aston Martin's forward momentum.
- Inspirational Leadership: Alonso's proactive and enthusiastic approach to racing and team collaboration has set a positive example within Aston Martin. His habit of being the earliest at the team office, greeting team members with energy and positivity, has fostered a more unified and motivated team environment, as noted by Krack.
Aston Martin's resurgence in Formula 1 can be significantly attributed to Fernando Alonso's infectious enthusiasm and leadership. Mike Krack, the team's principal, has been vocal about the positive changes Alonso has brought to the team's atmosphere and performance. Despite his extensive tenure in the sport, Alonso's zeal seems to have only grown, bringing a rookie's energy to the team's dynamic.
Achieving a commendable fourth-place finish in the overall standings with 206 points and notching up eight podiums last season, Alonso demonstrated that his racing acumen remains top-tier.
Krack is particularly impressed with Alonso's approach, which contrasts significantly with the norm where drivers might wind down their careers in smaller teams. He remarked to Speedcafe:
“A lot of drivers go to smaller teams, and they try to take what they can through to the end of their career.
“This is not what we have seen with Fernando. Actually, it's completely the opposite.
“We had a driver where you would have thought it was his first season. He was full of energy, not only driving us on but also driving himself on.
“He really led by example, being the first in the office. You arrive in the morning, and he is sitting there. He would [jokingly] say, ‘Good afternoon guys'.
“This leading by example has affected the team, pushed the team, and we have a much better team now than 12 months ago.
“Obviously, this is also credit to others, not only to Fernando, but this has made us improve much, much more than we would have if he was not here.”
Comparing Alonso to four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, Krack commented:
“Sebastian was obviously at the end of his.
“He had made it his choice that he was going to stop. For Fernando, it was a different situation. He saw it as another challenge.”