Krack: We made a change earlier and didn't anticipate the side-effects

Aston Martin has a solid start to their 2023 Formula 1 season, a stark contrast to their 2022 campaign which they finished seventh in the Constructors' Standings, as they established themselves as the second force behind Red Bull Racing with Fernando Alonso grabbing six podiums.

However with Mercedes starting a major upgrade process since Monaco, Ferrari and McLaren since Austria, Aston Martin have dropped back despite bringing upgrades of their own as well, with Alonso unable to fight for a podium finish since his second place in Canada.

Speaking in an interview with Aston Martin's website, Team Principal Mike Krack shed some light on the situation, he said: "After lots of analysis in the aftermath of Budapest we understand the changes we need to make.

"We've improved less than the others so now it's up to us to improve more than them," he added, summarizing the team's problem.

Krack however insisted Aston Martin did not drop down by much, but the closeness of the field behind Red Bull gives that impression.

He explained: "We've lost small amounts compared to our competitors and as an engineer, that makes you disappointed, but it's the qualifying and finishing positions that give the perception that we've dropped back massively when in reality we haven't.

"Our competitors have just improved more than us and jumped into that gap between us and Red Bull," he added. "We're constantly pushing the development, and these cars are so complex that any change will impact other areas of the car - there are side-effects. Very few changes you make to the car work in isolation."

Krack then revealed: "We made a change earlier in the season and didn't anticipate it having some of the side-effects that it did. It wasn't until after several races at different types of circuits that we realised how it was influencing the car.

"The upgrades we have put on the car have worked, and the numbers are where they should be - but I think the results over the last few races are representative of where we are," he added.

As for the remainder of the season post summer break Krack predicted: "I expect the second half of the season to see more close racing with the advantage swinging back and forth again."

Aston Martin entered the break after a fifth place for Alonso at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix, and are currently third in the 2023 F1 Constructors' Standings, 51 points behind Mercedes in second, and just five points ahead of Ferrari who are fourth.