Alonso exceeds high expectations: 'Fernando is fantastic at that'

So says the 51-year-old Luxembourger in conversation with his employer's website. "It's not what he does on track – that I expected – but it's the way he has integrated into the team. He's been exactly what we needed him to be: constructive when you have to be constructive; challenging when you have to be challenging. Even critical when being critical is what will move us forward. Understanding that balance is more difficult than people perhaps credit."

Alonso and Lance Stroll get a microphone shoved in their faces as soon as they jump out of their AMR23, right in the square. "They talk to the media; they do their debriefs and it's difficult to always hit the right notes in those circumstances. In fact, saying the right thing is the exception rather than the norm. It's a tough thing to do," said Krack, who himself does not like to be interviewed immediately after a session for that reason.

Alonso analytical and verbally very strong

Certainly for Alonso, none of that seems to be a big problem. "Fernando is fantastic at that stuff. When he sends analysis, it's always positive, never a bad word: it's what he's discovered, what he feels, what worked well, what he'd like to try next. I'm not going to make a prediction about his 33rd victory, but we are incredibly determined to do everything we can to make it happen," the team boss concludes.

The last time Alonso managed to win a Grand Prix in Formula 1 was in Spain in 2013. In 12 races this season, he was on the podium six times, including second twice. The 42-year-old Spaniard did not come this close in recent years and so they are hopeful at Aston Martin that they can give Alonso his dreamed 33rd win.