Stroll retires after puncture; Krack praises team effort

Fernando Alonso advanced from eighth to sixth in Baku, securing eight valuable points for Aston Martin.

Fernando Alonso consistently led the midfield throughout today’s race in Baku, improving from 8th to 6th place at the finish following a late-race clash between Sainz and Perez.

The Spanish driver was evidently pleased at the end.

“I’m happy with today’s result and we were able to capitalise on some manoeuvres in the final laps to secure the sixth position,” he remarked.

“It was somewhat of a solitary race for me, with no one ahead to challenge. We managed to keep pace with the surrounding competitors thanks to a one-stop strategy and maintained our position against those chasing us.”

“It was still a demanding race with no respite. We executed everything well with a sound strategy and pit stops, so I’m pleased that we leave Baku with well-deserved points.”

Lance Stroll, on the other hand, had to retire mid-race after losing significant time following the start due to a puncture incurred during contact with Yuki Tsunoda.

“My race was almost over from the first lap when Tsunoda and I made contact. I dived inside – I’m not sure if he saw me or not – but he closed the door and I had to pit due to a puncture,” he explained.

“We all push hard in the first lap, and these things happen, but it left us on the defensive for the rest of the race. With nine laps to go, I began to feel an issue with the brake pedal, and it worsened with each lap.”

“It’s not a circuit where one should take risks, and we were far from the points, so it made sense to retire the car. It was a frustrating weekend, but I’m looking forward to Singapore.”

Mike Krack, the team director, is nonetheless pleased with the day’s yield.

“Leaving Baku with eight crucial points is a fine reward for our efforts this weekend.”

“It’s more than we expected before the weekend, but it shows that there are always opportunities on this challenging street circuit.”

“Fernando delivered a very solid race, making the most of his qualifying position to hold eighth for most of the afternoon, then gained a few places due to the accident in the final laps. Before the race, we were concerned about the degradation of our tyres, so all credit to Fernando and the team for managing a one-stop race, which was pivotal for this result.”

“Lance suffered a puncture on the first lap and had to pit. This dropped him to the back of the pack and ended his chances of competing for points.”

“Our focus now shifts to Singapore next week—a challenge similar to Baku—where we aim to secure more points.”