Aston Martin not 'disheartened' over Red Bull gap

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack says the team is not "disheartened" by the gap to Red Bull.

The team has achieved six podiums so far out of 12 races in the 2023 season, all of which came in the first eight events.

As the in-season development race has become more intense, and Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all taking steps forward, Aston Martin has suffered something of a mid-season slump, with a best finish of fifth since the last podium at the Canadian GP.

The gap to Red Bull has increased as a result of Aston slipping back, with Max Verstappen finishing nearly a minute ahead of Fernando Alonso in the Belgian GP.

"Disheartening is not the right word. It's a challenge, Krack told media including RacingNews365 of the encouraging battle.

"You see how far they are and you see also how much work it is to try and keep up with them. It shows what a great car they have and what a great team they are."

Aston Martin not 'switching off tap on development

The team is currently sitting in the top three of the Constructors' Championship, with Alonso also P3 just one point ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Having achieved a top five with Alonso at the Belgian Grand Prix, the Spaniard hailed it as "good news" for the team as they attempt to maintain these positions in the second half the season.

"This is very, very important I think for for for everybody involved," said Krack.

"They have output crazy hours over the last weeks and it's always important to realise that hard work pays. Otherwise you get disillusioned and it becomes more and more difficult.

"That is very, very positive for the team that we're working hard together and we can improve the car."

Krack thinks more work will need to be done behind the scenes if they want to reap the rewards on track.

He added: "But this was only the first step. We are still we were still not not anywhere near a podium finish, so I think there is much more that we need."