Fernando Alonso: P9 “probably the maximum” for Aston Martin

(Motorsport-Whole.com) – For the second 12 months in a row within the 2023 Method 1 season, Aston Martin performed no function in awarding the podiums. As in Silverstone, the workforce round two-time world champion Fernando Alonso solely drove in the course of the sphere in Budapest and dusted off the final two factors positions with Alonso and Lance Stroll, nothing extra.

“We weren’t quick sufficient to problem anybody in entrance of us. However we did not have any stress from behind both. That is why ninth and tenth locations and the three factors have been our most,” says Alonso.

He additionally didn’t discover that the efficiency of the AMR23 had improved considerably from qualifying to the race. Aston Martin was “related” on the Hungaroring over a quick lap and over the Grand Prix distance – however not quick sufficient to be thought-about for entrance positions.

The place Aston Martin is about to go on summer time break

From Alonso’s perspective, nevertheless, that is the fact because it first appeared in Silverstone and now additionally in Budapest. “We struggled a bit on these two race weekends,” he says.

And the Grand Prix end in Nice Britain even flattered Aston Martin: “The protection automotive suited us in order that we might end seventh. That was a bit higher than what our precise tempo would have given us.”

“In all probability,” says Alonso, “we’re at present simply P9, behind Mercedes, Purple Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. That is kind of what we noticed in qualifying after which within the race.”

Alonso searching for clues: the place did the Aston Martin type go?

That comes no less than “a bit” shocking for Aston Martin, says Alonso. “We thought we might have a little bit bother at Silverstone, however we anticipated a little bit extra for Budapest. However that did not occur. We now have to investigate that and combat again properly in Spa subsequent week.”

However the workforce doesn’t discover it that simple to investigate the newest race weekends. In accordance with Alonso, it’s “tough for Aston Martin to know how the automotive is behaving in comparison with the beginning of the season”.

“It is also about what number of updates we have used in comparison with our opponents and who understands the brand new tires greatest. However the tires are the identical for everybody, so we simply must do our job higher,” says Alonso, who’s leaving Hungary with “plenty of questions” in his baggage.

Is all of it a matter of updates?

In Method 1 “you by no means know precisely what the causes are,” stated the two-time world champion. He provides: “In Austria, Hulkenberg was the shock in qualifying with Haas, in Silverstone Williams was very quick, in Budapest Alfa Romeo. However within the race it normally balances out and the massive groups find yourself in entrance.”

The one catch is that Aston Martin is at present not one of many prime groups, however stands behind it. “So we’ve got to meet up with the highest of this group first,” says Alonso.

Alonso is “undecided” whether or not (lack of) updates could possibly be the important thing to success for his racing workforce. He continues: “In fact we at all times need to use one thing new, identical to everybody else. It isn’t like everyone seems to be stopping growth now and ready for 2024.”

“All of us convey new elements. A few of them generally work higher than anticipated, others not in addition to anticipated. Hopefully our subsequent step is an effective one.”

Aside from that, in Method 1 it is usually “a matter of the top, what ideas you might have and what perspective you might have while you journey to Spa,” says Alonso. “There is a fully completely different monitor ready for us there and we need to take some revenge.”