Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has come to Fernando Alonso’s defense following the driver’s heated radio outburst during the Qatar Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, has been vocal in recent weeks about his frustration with the performance of the 2024 Aston Martin, frequently describing it as “the slowest or second slowest” car on the grid this season. That frustration boiled over last Sunday, leading to a tense moment over team radio.
The former Ferrari driver raged that he “cannot f—ing believe it – two years with the same f—ing problem on the straights”.
In the end, the 43-year-old Fernando Alonso managed to secure a seventh-place finish, with Aston Martin holding on to fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing only the sport’s dominant top four teams.
When questioned about Fernando Alonso’s fiery radio comments, team principal Mike Krack downplayed the incident, suggesting it was more a reflection of the Spaniard’s competitive nature than a serious issue.
“We must not forget that we are human beings who fight for everything and try to give the best of ourselves always,” he told DAZN. “Sometimes, comments must be allowed to vent that frustration.” – the Aston Martin boss explained – “We must not judge him too much because we also know how we all react at times.”
Mike Krack believes that Formula 1 drivers should not face criticism for showing their emotions during high-pressure situations: “It is even attractive for the spectator to see that emotion,” he said. “We all want to see human emotions and if we have them we should express them. Especially if we can end with a smile.”
Simultaneously, Mike Krack acknowledges that Aston Martin fully understands the importance of delivering a significantly improved car for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign: “The most important thing for the team is that we had many races without points,” said the Luxembourger. “It is particularly difficult when you have a triple header and then go home without points, so getting points is a good reward for all the good work.”
Mike Krack further emphasizes that, in reality, Fernando Alonso seldom voices criticism towards the team, highlighting that such instances are extremely rare: “Both our drivers have not accepted the situation, but they’re challenging us internally. Externally they are excellent team players, and this is of great help, obviously, because if the difficulties are taken to the outside, it gets much more difficult,” he said.
“We came from a good start in ’23 and since then it has not really progressed. And they have the microphone in front of them each time they get out of the car and are being confronted with negative questions. And when you have frustration and adrenaline, it’s very difficult to stay positive, which they have done. So, credit to them.”
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