Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has suggested that Lance Stroll could surprise people in the intra-team battle with Fernando Alonso next year.

Aston Martin are swapping one multiple world champion for another for 2023, with Sebastian Vettel leaving the sport and Alonso joining from Alpine.

Indeed, it was a deal that raised a few eyebrows when announced given where Alpine and Aston are in the standings this year, but it's an evident nod to the ambition that the Silverstone-based team is showing for the coming years.

Work is coming along on a new factory and there is huge investment being ploughed into the team, making them one of the most intriguing projects on the grid as they look to climb the field.

Alonso wanted a piece of the action, then, and he joins Lance Stroll for next year, with the Canadian retained by the team.

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Stroll will be seen as the number 2 driver at Aston by many for 2023, of course, given Fernando's ability, status in the sport and reputation but Krack thinks that Lance may be able to surprise plenty with his performances against the Spaniard, especially given how well he has stacked up against Vettel in the last one and a bit seasons:

“When Sebastian joined the team, people were saying Lance had no chance, but Lance has performed incredibly well against a four-time World Champion. They’ve been closely matched.

“People are saying the same thing now that Fernando is joining the team, but let’s wait and see. Lance might just surprise a few people.

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“They’ve known each other for many years, they’ve raced against each other, and Fernando knows the qualities Lance has. There’s real respect there.”

IMOLA, ITALY - APRIL 24: Lance Stroll of Canada driving the (18) Aston Martin AMR22 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on April 24, 2022 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Stroll might be one of the younger drivers on the grid still but he is also one of the more experienced names, having been in the sport for several seasons now.

He'll be looking to use that in the battle with Fernando, then, but also the aim has to be, in part, to learn from Alonso given the longevity the Spaniard has had in Formula 1 and the achievements he has recorded.

The two together makes for a fascinating dynamic and Aston will hope it is one that can help them rise up the pecking order from next year onwards.