Alonso Explains Why Aston Martin F1 Is Still Behind The Leaders
After a strong start to the Formula 1 season, Fernando Alonso has faced some challenges in the last two races. Despite this, the Spanish driver managed to secure a respectable seventh place finish at the British Grand Prix, and he believes that the result was better than expected given the team’s performance over the weekend.
Alonso candidly admitted, “We weren’t fast enough in any session on the weekend, so it was not different in the race.” It’s a clear acknowledgment of the struggles his team, Aston Martin, faced at Silverstone. However, he also highlighted the team’s strategic efforts during the race, stating, “We maximized the strategy, tried to stretch the stint on the medium tires at the beginning, and then there was a safety car. We chose the soft because it was just a short run at the end. I think it was a good strategy, and thanks to those calls, we took seventh place, which was maybe a little bit higher than the pace we had.”
Alonso believes that multiple factors contributed to their performance at Silverstone. He mentioned being out-developed by some other teams that introduced significant upgrades recently. Additionally, the track layout at Silverstone might not have suited their car’s package. The introduction of new tire constructions added another layer of complexity to their performance analysis.
Looking ahead to the next race in Hungary, Alonso is hopeful for better competitiveness. He acknowledged that form in Formula 1 can be track-specific, as evidenced by other drivers’ performances at different circuits. Alonso emphasized that the team should focus on the long-term picture rather than becoming overly concerned with weekend-to-weekend results.
Regarding Aston Martin’s development plans, Alonso remained pragmatic. He expressed contentment with the team’s overall performance this year, highlighting their unexpected competitiveness. Alonso stated, “We are fighting for things that we could probably never dream of at the beginning of the year.” He emphasized the importance of a balanced perspective, saying, “We cannot get stressed every weekend if we are seventh or if we are fourth or if we are on the podium. We need to be very pragmatic and very relaxed about our performance.”
As for the world championship battle, Alonso believes that Aston Martin has the momentum to stay ahead of McLaren. He recognized McLaren’s speed during the British Grand Prix but remained confident in his team’s ability to maintain their position in the points standings.
In conclusion, Fernando Alonso’s insights provide a glimpse into the complex world of Formula 1. Despite recent challenges, he remains focused on the big picture, acknowledging that form can vary from one race to another. Aston Martin’s journey in the 2023 season continues, with Alonso’s experience and perspective playing a crucial role in their performance.
