F1 News: Aston Martin Team Chief Jumps To Lance Stroll's Defence After Qatar GP Outburst

Mike Krak has responded to Lance Stroll's outburst after the Qatar qualifying.

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krak has come forward in Lance Stroll's defense after the driver pushed a team member out of frustration during Friday's qualifying session for the Qatar GP.

The incident took place after Stroll was unable to match his qualifying time with teammate Fernando Alonso, thus being knocked out of Q1. Consequently, when a member of the staff tried to talk to him after the session, the racer pushed him rather aggressively in a fit of anger.

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The uncouth behavior might have just offered a piece of evidence, suggesting that there might be a conflict within the team, especially after considering the performance gap between both Aston Martin drivers. 

However, hinting at the incident, Krak commented that Stroll had apologized to the team afterward and that, he shouldn't be criticized harshly for a reaction that happened in the heat of the moment.

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, the Aston Martin chief said:

"I've seen it too and it's now easy to always judge someone directly.

I usually try not to talk after a race or qualifying because I know how much you can get wound up.

You see football players who sometimes throw a jersey or throw the water bottle or don't give the coach a handshake when they are substituted.

I think sport thrives on emotions like that and you shouldn't judge it too much when you're in a situation like that."

But Stroll's aggression has received criticism from fans and F1 experts online, with many even questioning how Aston Martin would deal with such an incident within the team in the long run. 

Taking into account the fact that Stroll's father Lawrence is the team's executive chairman, the biggest question being asked currently is if another driver would be allowed to behave this way with a team member without having to face repercussions.

But, the team boss clarified that there was no clash within the team. He added:

"There is no problem in the team. We talked about it. It's all ok."