Mike Krack backs underperforming Lance Stroll despite a mammoth performance gap with Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso leads Lance Stroll by a 102-point margin in the drivers’ standings.

Mike Krack backs underperforming Lance Stroll despite a mammoth performance gap with Fernando Alonso

Lance Stroll (Image credit: PlanetF1), Mike Krack (Image credit: GPfans) and Fernando Alonso (Image credit: Road & Track)

Aston Martin team principal, Mike Krack, has staunchly supported Lance Stroll amidst his less-than-favorable performance during the initial half of the 2023 F1 season. Krack emphasized that the Canadian driver’s challenges were largely attributed to unfortunate events this year. The contrast between Stroll’s and teammate Fernando Alonso’s performances remains evident.

Mike Krack mentioned that the significance lies not solely in the podium finishes. He highlighted Lance’s impressive recovery from injury and Fernando Alonso’s unique strategy in Monaco as the notable aspects. Krack pointed out that Lance’s determination to return to the car despite broken wrists and a toe had a unifying and motivating effect on the team. It also fostered a positive mindset within the team

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“It’s not necessarily the podiums. For me, Lance’s comeback from injury and Fernando’s special approach in Monaco are what stand out. Lance showed what a fighter he is when he jumped back in the car with broken wrists and a broken toe. The heart it took to do that lifted everyone and got us going,” motorsportweek.com quotes Mike Krack.

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Lance Stroll at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix (Image credit: Crash.net)

In stark contrast to Lance Stroll’s fortunes, Fernando Alonso has been basking in a stellar debut season with Aston Martin, securing an impressive tally of six podium finishes both for himself and the team. However, the performance disparity between Stroll and Alonso has been undeniable thus far.

Mike Krack remarked that Lance’s fortunes in the current year had not been particularly favorable. He mentioned that apart from the injuries he sustained, several unfavorable circumstances had affected Lance’s performance, which was genuinely beyond his control. Krack emphasized that while the championship standings might provide a certain narrative, the team was privy to the actual dynamics.

“Lance hasn’t had a lot of luck this year: aside from his broken bones, a few things have gone against him that really weren’t his fault. The championship table tells a story, but inside the team we know what really happens,” Aston Martin’s team principal continued.

During the initial half of the season, the 24-year-old managed to secure his most notable achievement with a fourth-place finish in Melbourne. However, as the F1 summer break commenced last week, he trailed his teammate Fernando Alonso by 102 points in the Drivers’ standings.

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