Lewis Hamilton collides with Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Fernando Alonso at Turn 1.
Not only has Mike Krack denied that Aston Martin protect Lance Stroll no matter what, he says the criticism the Canadian faces from outside the team is “unfair”.
Lance Stroll is arguably the most secure driver on the F1 grid after Krack admitted the Aston Martin F1 team’s “whole project has always been around” Stroll, whose father Lawrence owns the team.
Lance Stroll ‘doesn’t just fly in and get into the racing car’
He made that comment just days before Stroll rear-ended Daniel Ricciardo behind a Safety Car at the Chinese Grand Prix which raised eyebrows in the paddock as, despite the stewards and just about everyone else declaring it was Stroll’s fault, Krack defended his driver.
Krack expressed his discontent with Stroll’s time penalty and penalty points, deeming them “severe.” He further conveyed this sentiment to a journalist, noting, “It appears that you share a similar viewpoint,” in response to a question about his drivers being perceived as “easy targets” by the stewards.
Many people in the paddock were puzzled by his unwavering support for the driver, considering that Stroll had rear-ended someone, and it happened while the Safety Car was out.
Does the team protect Stroll from criticism?
“No, not at all,” Krack insisted to Auto Motor und Sport. “Criticism happens. But like with Fernando, we don’t voice the criticism in public.
The Lance we see within our team is not the same Lance that may be perceived by the public. This is why it is crucial for us to defend him when facing criticism from external sources.
He dismissed the speculation suggesting that Stroll is only present for the moments of glory.
“Krack stated that he is an extremely diligent individual. He does not simply breeze in and hop into the racing car, as one might expect from a typical stereotype.”
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Krack found the perception that the rest of the teams are competing with Stroll for the last point on a Grand Prix Sunday to be “disrespectful” and “unfair.”
Although he concedes that consistency is necessary, he firmly believes that his driver is superior.
He voiced, “In my perspective, that is disrespectful and also unjust.”
“When considering his progress in recent years, he adeptly managed the duel with Sebastian (Vettel). Furthermore, his performance against Fernando has been commendable.”
“We do need to improve our consistency further, and that is something we should focus on. However, I find the statement disrespectful, although I can comprehend its relevance in an environment like Formula 1.”
Despite occasional rumors that he could be ousted or choose to leave, Stroll will continue to be a part of the car for the upcoming season.
“All speculation,” said Krack.
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