Fernando Alonso has been praised for his ‘outstanding’ work ethic over the last 12 months by Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack. The Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the greatest talents of his generation and continues to defy expectations in F1 despite being the oldest driver on the entire grid.
Alonso enjoyed an impressive 2023 campaign, securing a fourth-placed finish in the Drivers’ Championship standings with eight podiums to his name. He was widely heralded as one of the best-performing drivers on the grid and Krack has since offered a telling insight into his work ethic, which he believes sets Alonso apart from many of his rivals.
“What Fernando has brought us is just outstanding,” Krack told Aston Martin’s official website. “He drives us on and makes us better, it’s that simple really. He is hugely ambitious and wants to be fighting for podiums every weekend.
“The experience he brings is invaluable, but also the commitment. He isn’t one of these drivers who turn up on a race weekend, does their thing and then disappears. There’s always another question, another WhatsApp message pinging in, constantly looking for things we could improve.
“Having him prowling around behind you provides all the motivation anyone could need. I’m looking forward to what he can do in 2024 now that he’s had a year to fully bed into Aston Martin.”
Alonso’s relentless work ethic goes to show that he is among the most determined racers in F1, never switching off even after the end of the campaign. He will be desperate to keep helping Aston Martin to improve when the action resumes in 2024, which will mark the start of his 21st year on the F1 grid.
The 42-year-old is only tied down until the end of next season, at which point he will be free to decide where his future lies. Krack has already insisted that he would have no qualms about extending Alonso’s contract if he wishes to stay on, given the impact he has made since moving to Aston Martin a year ago.
“I think I don’t have to answer that question,” said Krack last month when asked if he would be looking to offer Alonso a new deal. “Absolutely, yes. As a team, we were blown away from the first day. I think we have received a remarkable team player, constructive at all times, especially when it was difficult.
“When the car was competitive, or more competitive, it’s obviously easier to be constructive but the true qualities came out. Let’s take this Mexico example, that both drivers, it would have been easy to take the microphones and slam the team, go against the team, and it would probably have been deserved.
“But I think the true qualities of the team-playing character of both drivers came out in that time. And, for me, that is one of the highlights of the season, as a team, that we managed to stick together in that time.”
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