Into the Apex

A Team in Tatters

The final stretch of the 2023 season loomed large, and for Aston Martin, the end couldn't come soon enough. The team's fall from grace had been dramatic, but now, as they sat at the very bottom of the Constructors' Championship, it felt irredeemable. The car was a disaster, plagued by the baffling combination of oversteer and understeer in the same corner, leaving both Masachika Kuze and Sebastian Vettel increasingly frustrated. Meanwhile, the tension with team principal Mike Krak continued to simmer, with his pettiness only exacerbating the situation.

Round 22: Las Vegas Grand Prix

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a spectacle, the glitz and glamour of the Strip offering a stark contrast to the misery in the Aston Martin garage. Masachika had been looking forward to the race itself, but even his optimism was tested during practice when the car slid unpredictably through nearly every corner.

"Oversteer in the high-speed sections, understeer in the tight ones," Masachika growled over the radio during FP2. "This car is impossible to drive."

"We're working on it," his engineer replied, though the lack of conviction in his voice was evident.

Qualifying saw Masachika barely scrape into Q3, earning a modest 10th on the grid, while Vettel struggled and lined up 17th. "Good luck out there," Vettel said before the race, offering a weary smile.

"I think we'll both need it," Masachika replied, tapping his helmet.

When the lights went out, the chaos of Las Vegas quickly unfolded. Masachika managed to hold his position in the early laps, skillfully navigating the carnage around him. But Vettel's race ended in heartbreak on Lap 20, his engine expiring in a plume of smoke.

"Engine's gone," Vettel radioed, his voice tinged with resignation.

"Copy that, Seb. Stop the car. Sorry about this," came the response.

Meanwhile, Masachika held on to finish 10th, earning a solitary point for the team. But the frustration was clear in his voice as he crossed the line. "One point. That's all we can manage with this thing," he muttered before switching off the radio.

Round 23: Qatar Grand Prix

If Las Vegas was a struggle, Qatar was a disaster. The sweltering heat at the Lusail circuit did little to improve the Aston Martin's performance. The car was completely out of balance, and both Masachika and Vettel knew it would be a long weekend.

In qualifying, Masachika ended up 19th, with Vettel right behind him in 20th. After the session, Masachika stormed back to the garage, tearing off his gloves and slamming them onto the workbench.

"This is unacceptable," he said to the engineers, his voice low but laced with anger. "We've gone from bad to worse. How do you expect us to race like this?"

Mike Krak, overhearing, decided to interject. "Maybe if you pushed harder, you wouldn't be in the back," he snapped.

Masachika's eyes narrowed. "Pushed harder? This car is undrivable, Mike. Maybe if you listened to your drivers instead of blaming them, we wouldn't be last in the standings."

Vettel, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. "Mike, enough," he said, his tone firm but calm. "Masachika's right. This car is beyond repair. Let's focus on damage control and finish the season with some dignity."

Krak's face reddened, but he said nothing, choosing instead to storm out of the room.

The race itself was a nightmare. By the end of Lap 1, both Masachika and Vettel were already struggling to keep pace with the midfield. By Lap 30, it was clear neither car would climb into the points. Masachika finished 19th, and Vettel, lapped twice, brought the car home in 20th.

After the race, Masachika sat alone in the garage, staring at the telemetry data on a screen. He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked up to see Vettel holding two bottles of water.

"You did what you could," Vettel said, handing him one of the bottles.

Masachika sighed. "Not enough, though. It's never enough with this team."

Vettel nodded, sitting down beside him. "Mike's a fool if he can't see what you're capable of. Next year, you'll have a fresh start. Don't let this season define you."

Masachika managed a small smile. "Thanks, Seb. I'll miss you out here."

"I'll miss this too," Vettel replied, glancing around the garage. "Even the bad times have their charm. But it's your time now, Masachika. Show them what you're made of."

As they sat in silence, the weight of the season bore down on both drivers. There was only one race left, but for Masachika, the promise of a new chapter with McLaren was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.