The Belgian Grand Prix brought yet another disappointment for Aston Martin in a season that has already been miserable for the Formula 1 team. Lance Stroll failed to see the chequered flag after suffering a clutch failure and two-time champion Fernando Alonso finished last – humiliated, two laps down, and unable to challenge even Valtteri Bottas in Cadillac's brand-new works team.
On Sunday evening, Aston Martin trackside chief Mike Krack held his customary media debrief after the race. The atmosphere was subdued – as it has so often been this year. Yet there was also a sense of optimism, as the team is on the cusp of rolling out its first major upgrades of the year – a B-spec car that features an aerodynamic and chassis overhaul ahead of an updated Honda power unit due after F1’s summer break.
