'A strong signal to everybody' – Krack reflects on Alonso's commitment to Aston Martin for 2027

Mike Krack believes that Fernando Alonso's decision to re-sign with Aston Martin for the 2027 season is "a strong signal to everybody", as the team looks to turn its fortunes around.

Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia this weekend, Alonso confirmed he would remain with Aston Martin for next season after months of speculation about his future and whether he would retire.

While the Spaniard said his decision to continue in Formula 1 was due to a "fire inside", Alonso has also taken into account the trajectory of Aston Martin during a difficult season where it has occupied the back of the grid.

Speaking on Thursday's media day in Malaysia, Krack was pleased to retain the services of Alonso, as well as Lance Stroll.

“I think for me the fact that both drivers continue with us shows their trust and commitment in the team and its possibilities, and you don't have to have big words. I think the signature gives a good sign, a strong signal to everybody,” said Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer.

“I think we went through really tough times, especially at the beginning of the project, where we could almost not drive. And they were always positive. They are trying to encourage everyone, it's very positive in terms of leadership, and I think from that we can only progress further with having these two. But it is good motivation for everyone.

“For Fernando, it was also the question, does he want to continue? And I said many times, when you have someone with that track record, with that experience, you have to respect the request for time.

“I think it's not a secret that he's not so happy with the regulations. He wanted to see how that goes. So all-in-all, there have always been talks, and I think we are really happy that we came to the conclusion.”

Apart from Aston Martin's poor form, there was also the bigger picture question of how much Alonso enjoys racing the current generation F1 cars, having driven under many different sets of regulations over the past quarter of a century.

As he made clear in Sepang, Alonso sees a potential move to a 60:40 split of V6 and electrical power as a positive step that influenced his thinking, and as such his decision to commit can be seen as a thumbs-up for the direction that the rules are taking.

“I think it's not a secret that he's not so happy with the regulations. He wanted to see how that goes. So all-in-all, there have always been talks, and I think we are really happy that we came to the conclusion," added Krack.

“I think for drivers to enjoy, you have to have a quick car, and for the teams, by the way, as well. Nobody likes to be at the back. The only reason we do this is to race, to compete, and try to win.

“So I think even if the regulations are not great for what he perceives – and we must not forget he comes from a time where it was really flat-out racing, which maybe other drivers did not come from that time – I think you have to factor these things in."