Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s present Method 1 type is “not adequate” 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 present 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 labeled 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 believe Lance [Stroll] and myself, we’re making an attempt to do the very 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 fully nameless however I believe this yr Lance and myself have been very shut — two or three seconds away on the finish of the race is all the time in entrance or behind.
“And [Monza] was a kind of weekends that I used to be a little bit bit higher, and I used to be pleased with 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 large goal is 2026. However on the similar time, I believe as a group, we might 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 believe we have to elevate the bar a little bit bit. We have to get higher.”
Alonso doesn’t count on to see Aston Martin being extra aggressive in Baku or Singapore, as he believes the automotive’s present degree was on show in Italy.
“No. I believe till we’ve got an improve on the automotive, that is what it’s, and this isn’t adequate,” he mentioned. “Not adequate in Monza. Not good in Zandvoort, in Spa, in Hungary. So I don’t suppose there’s going to be a giant change in Baku or Singapore or Austin except we convey 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 believe we nonetheless have time to react. It’s the primary of September. McLaren improved in 4 months from final to the rostrum. So we’ve got clear examples. Additionally, Mercedes began the identical as us. We have been degree with Mercedes for the primary 4 races, and so they received three races already this yr. So I’m not a fan of excuses.”
Though Adrian Newey is anticipated to be confirmed to be becoming a member of the group subsequent week, Alonso downplayed how a lot speedy influence the legendary designer might have given what Aston Martin already has at its disposal.
“Effectively, there’s nonetheless solely rumors, and I believe it’s not just one man’s job to make things better,” he mentioned. “It’s extra what we’ve got now and what we’re producing. Understanding what goes in the suitable path, what goes within the fallacious path, and attempt to put together 2025 in a greater means.”
