After Stroll’s extension, Mike Krack is « happy to have two mature drivers on track »

Lance Stroll was officially extended at Aston Martin this Thursday in Austria. The link between Lawrence the boss, and Lance the son, undoubtedly plays a role in contract negotiations. However, Mike Krack, the Team Principal of the team, explains this choice by emphasizing the team before individuals. Aston Martin has now secured its 2 drivers at least until the end of 2026, one year beyond the famous regulation change that could change everything. This notion of continuity is the first reason he gives for extending Lance Stroll in a press conference:

« For several weeks, I have been saying that we want stability and continuity. I think this is very important for a team, especially with a new regulation approaching. And we are very happy to have a quite mature lineup on track. We know who our main competitors are, and they are definitely not our two drivers against each other. This is something we have observed over the past years: they work very well together and push in the same direction. […] Throughout the season, the choice of drivers was not our main concern. We are very happy to have finalized our drivers and to have found a bit more calm.

»

“You must not let yourself be pressured by the driver market.”

This choice comes as the transfer market is more agitated than ever. Lewis Hamilton’s signing with Ferrari earlier this year completely reshuffled the deck. Since then, Carlos Sainz holds the latest keys to the transfer market. A market to which other drivers must adapt. However, it is a real opportunity for teams to try to attract very good drivers, who were previously out of reach. This possibility of change did not make Aston Martin hesitate:

« As a team, you must not let yourself be pressured by the drivers’ market. I believe that we need to decide on which driver we want and we have been very clear about it. Of course, you always look at what possibilities exist and the drivers available. I think having plans B and C is common for everyone, but if you can achieve your plan A, then you should do it. »

Lance Stroll was clearly Aston Martin’s plan A: at the same time, it was hard to doubt it. The collaboration between Alonso and Lance Stroll will therefore continue, for the next few years.