Fernando Alonso, a driver for the Aston Martin F1 Team, has disclosed that the team has upcoming plans in the works as they acknowledge the need to enhance the basic speed of their Formula 1 car for the 2024 season. Aston Martin currently holds the same position in the Constructors’ Championship as they did last year, sitting in fifth place behind Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes. Alonso had an outstanding performance in Japan, securing fifth place on the starting grid and finishing in sixth place, which he considers to be one of the top five performances of his entire Formula 1 career. Despite surpassing both Mercedes and McLaren, Alonso stated that the team’s updates for the Suzuka race did not result in a higher position. However, he hinted that Aston Martin has additional upgrades planned for future races in order to avoid a repeat of last season’s development setback. When asked about the team’s foundation for improvement, Alonso responded, “Let’s wait and see. I believe there are a few things in progress to enhance the car. This first set of upgrades is just the starting point for what we will introduce later in the season, so we still have many aspects to analyze. However, we have been performing exceptionally well on Sundays, maximizing our points, even more than what we typically deserve.” Alonso praised Aston Martin’s operational improvements, particularly their efficient pit stops, which allowed him to only lose one position to Charles Leclerc, who made a single pit stop. He expressed his curiosity about the time it took for the pit stop, as it felt like the fastest one he had experienced. Alonso emphasized that while the team has made progress in certain areas, their fundamental speed is not yet at the desired level, and this is where their focus needs to be directed.
In response to the question about the reasons behind his opinion on the current ranking, Alonso subtly stated: “I only drive the car on the track, that’s all.”
The next Formula 1 event will bring the teams back to Asia as the Chinese Grand Prix makes its comeback after a five-year absence. Additionally, there is the possibility of a Sprint weekend to contend with.
Alonso, a two-time winner in Shanghai in 2005 and 2013, believes that the alternative format will create opportunities that Aston Martin should take advantage of.
“I believe that in situations where we have a slight disadvantage in terms of pace, mixed conditions or Sprint weekends can offer us some additional chances,” he stated in advance.
“All these factors always provide something extra, but it will be challenging. I expect Ferrari to be very fast in China, given the long corners and front-limited nature of the circuit, similar to Australia. However, Red Bull will also be strong. We have a very powerful DRS, which might be helpful on the long straight in China, so let’s wait and see.”