Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack expects Fernando Alonso’s arrival next season could pose a challenge for the British formation if the car does not meet the Spaniard’s expectations before 2023.
Alonso will switch from Alpine to Aston Martin at the end of this season after the French factory formation was unable to meet his contractual wishes. It resulted in an unexpected exit for the two-time world champion, with Alpine still looking for a driver to take his place alongside Esteban Ocon in 2023. Alonso in turn replaces Sebastian Vettel. The German will end his career in Formula 1 after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The right step
Despite his age, 41-year-old Alonso is still one of the bigger names on the grid, but it’s also an open secret that the veteran can be demanding. If the performance is disappointing, he does not hide his criticism. And Krack is aware of that: “He can push us, more than a driver who is not of his caliber”, it sounds in an interview with the BBC. “It may be much more difficult than it is now. We discussed it: what are the pros and cons? We came to the conclusion that it is the right step.”
Challenge
Krack continues: “It will be a challenge for us. Drivers with his experience normally no longer have the desire to win. The desire decreases, especially when they have already won. Fernando has the unique combination of speed, hunger, motivation and experience “That’s why he’s the perfect candidate for us. The downside could be that if the car we supply isn’t good enough… Then it becomes difficult. But it becomes difficult with any driver if the car is not fast enough.”
