Aston Martin has unveiled its latest Formula 1 car for the 2024 season, the AMR24. The team describes it as an “evolution” of its previous car and hopes it will build on the progress made in the breakout 2023 season. The Aston Martin launch marks the beginning of a busy final week of car launches, with Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull set to follow in the coming days.
Last year, Aston Martin’s car impressed during pre-season testing and the early races, securing six podium finishes in the first eight grands prix thanks to Fernando Alonso. However, the team struggled to maintain its momentum in the second half of the season and ultimately finished fifth in the constructors’ championship.
Aston Martin has been focusing on preparing itself to keep up with its rivals in the F1 development race this year. Technical director Dan Fallows highlighted the importance of having a solid platform for development and broadening the car’s capabilities across different circuits. The team believes that the AMR24 is well-suited for in-season development and a sustained challenge throughout the season.
To aid in its development, Aston Martin has invested in a new state-of-the-art wind tunnel, which will be operational later this year. The AMR24 is the first car to benefit from being developed on Aston’s new technology campus at Silverstone.
The AMR24 shares key components, such as the power unit, gearbox, hydraulics, and rear suspension, with Mercedes. However, the rear suspension has been modified for 2024, with Aston Martin adopting a pushrod rear suspension system, following Mercedes’ lead.
The success of the AMR24 will play a significant role in determining whether Aston Martin can retain Fernando Alonso beyond 2024. Team boss Mike Krack has expressed his desire to continue with Alonso in the future, but the driver is keeping his options open and will evaluate his future after the initial races. Lance Stroll will continue as Alonso’s teammate for his sixth season with the team.
The AMR24 will hit the track for the first time during a Silverstone shakedown later today. This follows Haas’ VF-24 shakedown at Silverstone the day before and Sauber’s C44 debut in Barcelona last Friday.
According to the Source the-race.com