Mike Krack reveals the stark truth behind Lance Stroll’s struggle to keep up with Fernando Alonso

Aston Martin has staged a remarkable turnaround in the 2023 F1 season, catapulting from seventh to third in the constructors’ standings, with a fierce battle for the runner-up spot against Mercedes and Ferrari. The team has scored six podium finishes, and all those have been from the hands of Fernando Alonso, placing him third in the driver’s standings, a point ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

However, the story takes a twist when we shift the spotlight to Lance Stroll, Fernando’s teammate. A cycling accident left the Canadian with broken wrists, missing crucial pre-season testing. Despite the setback, Stroll made an audacious comeback in Bahrain, securing a remarkable sixth place. But this has been his only highlight, and his season hasn’t mirrored Alonso’s brilliance.

Aston Martin boss Mike Krack highlights the divergence between the two drivers. Stroll’s absence from winter testing proved a significant factor; where other drivers honed their skills and learned about the car, Stroll missed out. The impact is evident as he struggles to keep up with his teammate’s performance.

Aston Martin’s boss draws attention to the crucial factor that set Lance Stroll apart from his teammate Fernando Alonso. Krack said, “We should always keep in mind now that there was a three-day test in Bahrain where he did zero laps.” Krack further noted that Stroll was behind the steering wheel of his AMR23 in Bahrain with the injuries, and this fact is often overlooked. “Where other drivers fill their toolboxes, learn about the car – these are things that he didn’t have,” he concluded. 

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

Lance Stroll labels his return with broken wrists as ‘aggressive’

Stroll’s fearless return to the Bahrain circuit, just twelve days after suffering injuries that would have deterred most, reveals his determination and audacity. While admitting that driving with broken bones against medical advice was “aggressive.” The first race didn’t fully heal him, and his agony over his wrist pain was seen on the overboard cameras.

Speaking about his wrist injury and his return said, “I mean it was a very aggressive return, but I knew we had a good car and I wanted to get back in the car and I felt like I was ready to do it.” The Canadian added, “It sucked for the first few races – definitely I was in a lot of pain, but I’m feeling much better now.”

The Canadian’s return may have been gutsy, but the missing pieces are evident on the track. Stroll’s limited podium presence and lack of pace compared to Alonso raise eyebrows.

Krack emphasizes that understanding the car better could have propelled Stroll to more impressive finishes. With Aston Martin’s downturn in performance, the team will be hoping that Stroll will muster up the performance deficit and deliver in the second half of the season to challenge for the runner-up spot.

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