The 2024 Formula 1 season marks Alonso’s 21st year in the sport, a lengthy career that began with the underdog team Minardi in 2001 and included a two-year break in 2019 and 2020.
The two-time F1 Champion has competed in 380 grand prix races and, despite being 42 years old, shows no signs of slowing down. He consistently delivers outstanding performances for Aston Martin F1, showcasing his wealth of experience and skill on the track.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Krack emphasized the value of having a driver like Alonso on the team. It goes beyond his on-track abilities and extends to his contributions within the team and behind the scenes.
“We witnessed this last year when he joined,” Krack explained. “It’s not just his proven talent and racecraft that he brings; that goes without saying.
“He also brings something extra to the team – his driving, his pushing, and his ability to motivate everyone. He leads by example, from early in the morning until late at night. It’s truly commendable.
“This attitude spreads throughout the entire team; it’s something we want to preserve,” stated the Aston Martin TP.
Krack provided a recent example of how Alonso’s experience has elevated the team’s performance. During the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Alonso radioed the team and inquired about a “Plan B” while defending against Mercedes’ George Russell.
“He asked for a Plan B, essentially. ‘Is there a Plan B?'” Krack recounted. “Fernando always keeps you on your toes.
“You have to be cautious about whether he’s genuinely asking or if he’s doing it intentionally, knowing that our competitors are listening. He’s a seasoned strategist and knows the ins and outs of the field.”
“But he always rouses us from slumber. Just when you think you can decipher it for a single lap, a radio transmission interrupts, and he queries, ‘What about an alternate strategy?’ in true Fernando fashion. Thus, we examined the alternative plan, although it is certain that one’s final position does not align with the outcome of said plan,” he elucidated.
“Alonso’s defense against Russell was rather formidable,” Krack remarked. “We were aware that George Russell was trailing closely, exhibiting impressive velocity, and we were adamant about denying him the opportunity to engage the DRS. Consequently, the gap between them remained consistently between 1.5 and 1.0 seconds.”
“The subsequent course of action involved a delicate balance between conservation and exertion, all in pursuit of reaching the conclusion unscathed. However, I must assert that Alonso executed this strategy with unparalleled finesse. The origin of his advantageous gaps remains a mystery to me. From my perspective, he consistently maintained control of the situation,” the 52-year-old affirmed.
Alonso currently finds himself in the final year of his existing contract with Aston Martin. With Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, a vacancy at Mercedes awaits in 2025, an opportunity that the two-time Formula 1 Champion from 2005 and 2006 has not dismissed.
Nonetheless, Krack emphasizes that Aston Martin’s primary objective is to retain Alonso’s services. He stated, “It is no secret that his foremost desire is to independently determine his future endeavors. Equally, it is no secret that I continuously emphasize our desire to continue our collaboration with Fernando.”
“I have consistently asserted that our utmost priority is to provide him with a swift automobile. This is crucial in fostering his belief in our project and team. All other matters shall be deliberated in the forthcoming weeks,” Krack concluded.
Alonso has yet to secure a podium finish in 2024, as Aston Martin has experienced a slower start to their season compared to the previous year, 2023, during which he achieved eight podium finishes for the team.