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| Sebastian Vettel, four-times World Champions |
Four times the F1 champion Sebastian Vettel retired at the end of last season and vice versa Fernando Alonso enjoyed the resurrection for Aston Martin, who is now struggling again.
It happened after another difficult 2022 season with Vettel in the 12th place in the F1 2022 standings and his teammate Lance Stroll in 15th.
Although Aston's team boss Mike Krack decided to retire at the end of last season, he stressed that Vettel played a key role in the development of a very competitive AMR23 car.
"I think he has an advantage where [AMR23] today," Krack said.
"We held many meetings last year where he gave us direction:
"Do this or do this or don't do it in a new car". So I think he has a role to be played in that matter. "
Krack was asked whether Vettel retired too quickly because of Aston Martin's dramatic increase, but he answered:
"We must respect his decision.
"He thought long and hard before making a decision and he had to continue. If he is ashamed, you have to ask him. "
Formula 1 champions Alonso ranked third in each of his first three grand prix with Aston Martin, destroying the hegemony of the Red Bull-Mercedes-Ferrari trio.
"He brought a lot of energy and many positive things when he entered," Krack said.
- He always leads by setting an example. He was very early there, worked hard and gave a good example that was seen and taken by everyone and gave extra motivation. "
