A single point may seem insignificant, but it is not. Aston Martin introduced many upgrades for this Hungarian GP, and even though they leave with just one point, they are satisfied with understanding their new package and salvaging what they could on a track where they expected much worse performance.
Mike Krack values this point highly. Although the Qualy suggested a significant leap forward, the eliminations of Russell and Checo masked the reality that the British team was not on a favorable circuit for the AMR24. “A very hard-earned point on a track where we did not expect to be competitive,” said Aston Martin’s Team Principal.
Krack further elaborated on the team’s performance in Hungary, emphasizing the challenging conditions they faced. “Tracks like this one, with high temperatures and many long curves, do not play to our advantage,” Krack explained, confirming what was seen at Silverstone, where they performed better in cooler conditions. However, they made some strategic errors and could have achieved more.
Aston Martin’s strategy was put to the test in Hungary. The team initially struggled with tire management, a critical factor given the circuit’s demanding nature. “We knew that tire degradation would be a significant issue,” Krack mentioned. “Our focus was on maintaining the balance of the car throughout the race.”
Despite these challenges, the team’s resilience shone through. The new aerodynamic upgrades, although still needing fine-tuning, provided valuable data for the engineers. “We are in the process of analyzing all the data collected during the race weekend,” Krack said. “This will help us optimize our setup for future races.”
The drivers, too, played a crucial role in extracting the maximum potential from the car. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll showcased their skills, managing to navigate the tricky Hungarian circuit with precision. Alonso, a seasoned driver, shared his insights post-race: “It was a tough race, but we learned a lot about the new updates. There’s definitely room for improvement, but the car felt more responsive.”
Looking ahead to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Aston Martin remains optimistic. The team believes that the lessons learned in Hungary will be instrumental in their preparations. “Spa is a very different track,” Krack noted. “It has long straights and high-speed corners, which should suit our car better. We’re looking forward to a more competitive weekend.”
Additionally, the team’s focus on continuous improvement is evident. The engineering team is already working on further updates and enhancements. “Our goal is to keep pushing the envelope,” Krack emphasized. “We are committed to bringing new solutions to every race, ensuring that we stay competitive in this ever-evolving sport.”
The dedication and hard work of the entire Aston Martin team have not gone unnoticed. The fans and supporters of the team have been vocal in their encouragement, providing a morale boost to everyone involved. “The support from our fans has been incredible,” Krack said with a smile. “We feel their energy, and it motivates us to perform better.”