Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s present Components 1 type is “not ok” after what he described as an “impressed weekend” of driving solely netted him an Eleventh-place end on the Italian Grand Prix.
Aston Martin is at the moment fifth within the constructors’ championship however has scored simply six factors throughout the final 4 races, failing to get on the board in Monza. That got here regardless of Alonso believing he outperformed the automotive in Italy as he was categorized only one second behind ninth-placed Alex Albon. He says the drivers are having to be affected person with the group however emphasised the necessity for enhancements.
“Nothing we will do,” Alonso mentioned. “I imply, we’re in our group’s arms, and I feel Lance [Stroll] and myself, we’re making an attempt to do one of the best we will each weekend. One impressed weekend, like this from my aspect, I do know it’s — Monza 2024 from Alonso — going to be utterly nameless however I feel this yr Lance and myself have been very shut — two or three seconds away on the finish of the race is at all times in entrance or behind.
“And [Monza] was a kind of weekends that I used to be somewhat bit higher, and I used to be proud of the automotive and pushing to the extent that perhaps was past 100%, and that was P11. So yeah, dissatisfied about that.
“We must be affected person. We have to perceive that the massive goal is 2026. However on the identical time, I feel as a group, we may settle for not being within the top-four battle. They’re high groups and they’re nicely in entrance of us. However now to be behind Williams, behind Haas, behind Toro Rosso, I feel we have to increase the bar somewhat bit. We have to get higher.”
Alonso doesn’t anticipate to see Aston Martin being extra aggressive in Baku or Singapore, as he believes the automotive’s present stage was on show in Italy.
“No. I feel till now we have an improve on the automotive, that is what it’s, and this isn’t ok,” he mentioned. “Not ok in Monza. Not good in Zandvoort, in Spa, in Hungary. So I don’t assume there’s going to be an enormous change in Baku or Singapore or Austin except we deliver new elements.
“That’s the plan. The group is conscious of the scenario. The group is working flat out. So yeah, we maintain united. We maintain pushing. Final weekend was one level. [Monza] was shut to 2 factors, and that will probably be our battle.
“I feel we nonetheless have time to react. It’s the primary of September. McLaren improved in 4 months from final to the rostrum. So now we have clear examples. Additionally, Mercedes began the identical as us. We had been stage with Mercedes for the primary 4 races, and so they gained three races already this yr. So I’m not a fan of excuses.”
Though Adrian Newey is predicted to be confirmed to be becoming a member of the group subsequent week, Alonso downplayed how a lot fast influence the legendary designer may have given what Aston Martin already has at its disposal.
“Nicely, there’s nonetheless solely rumors, and I feel it’s not just one man’s job to sort things,” he mentioned. “It’s extra what now we have now and what we’re producing. Understanding what goes in the suitable path, what goes within the mistaken path, and attempt to put together 2025 in a greater approach.”
