As the pre-season testing in Bahrain is in full swing, Fernando Alonso expresses his concerns and hopes for the future of Aston Martin. With a still young car and mixed performances, the two-time world champion is banking on trust in his team and engineer, Adrian Newey.
A Delicate Start to the Season
The first days of testing in Bahrain are proving chaotic for the Silverstone team. Fernando Alonso, just back in the paddock, does not hide his worries. After a season start marked by a lack of running and experience, Aston Martin’s situation could make even the most optimistic shudder. The car, with its bold design, is facing the complexity of a Honda power unit still in its early stages. For Alonso, who had placed a lot of hope in the regulatory changes planned for 2026, this accumulated delay is a real thorn in the side.
Running Issues
Alonso does not hesitate to state the challenges the team is facing. “We are clearly not in the position we wanted to be,” he admits. The Spanish driver emphasizes that not being able to test in Barcelona has considerable repercussions. “It was a big problem because it not only means missing the Barcelona test but also not having had a filming day beforehand.”
The consequences are palpable. Alonso explains that every run conducted in Bahrain reveals small issues that disrupt the testing program. “When you don’t run cleanly, run after run, you don’t really progress in the setups.” In other words, the team finds itself in a spiral where every resolved problem leads to new ones, and the available running time is dwindling like a good old wine turning to vinegar.
A Sensor, a Temperature, a World to Explore
In the ruthless world of Formula 1, every detail matters. Alonso mentions these small anomalies that, while they may seem insignificant, can block the development of a competitive car. “We have a program to test different suspension stiffnesses, but with each run, problems arise. This affects our ability to unlock performance.”
He is not alone in feeling this pressure: other teams have likely faced similar difficulties during the early tests. But while they advance in understanding their machine, Aston Martin seems to be trying to catch up with a train already on the move.
Unwavering Confidence in Newey
Despite this uninviting picture, Alonso maintains his faith in Adrian Newey, the architect of the AMR26 and an iconic figure in F1. “After more than 30 years during which Adrian has dominated F1, it’s not like he’s going to forget everything in a year.” For Alonso, it is crucial to keep an optimistic outlook. “Even if we are not at 100% now, we will be soon.” The promise of a bright future rests on the team’s ability to resolve the issues with its power unit.
Time to Make Up
On Thursday, Lance Stroll himself raised an alarming observation with a deficit of over four seconds compared to the leaders. Nevertheless, Alonso refuses to give in to pessimism. “I did a lap yesterday where I went wide at turn 4, and then, until the finish line, I gained eight tenths.” This statement illustrates the untapped potential of the car and the necessity to optimize every setup to reveal the performance hidden under the hood.
For the driver, it is not just about finding two tenths, but unlocking whole seconds. “Maybe we will unlock seconds when we optimize everything.” The hope for a quick improvement remains within reach, but uncertainty lingers regarding Aston Martin’s actual position on the grid.
Toward an Uncertain but Promising Future
With the season looking challenging, Alonso remains aware of the hurdles to overcome. “As I said, we are realistic. We will not be the fastest in Melbourne.” He knows that the road to the top is fraught with obstacles and that time is working against them. Yet, this clear-eyed and pragmatic approach could very well be the key to turning current difficulties into future successes.
The 2023 season is still young, and while Alonso’s experience and talent are undeniable, it remains to be seen if Aston Martin can deliver on its promises. One thing is for sure: the passion and commitment of the driver are there, ready to face all the challenges that lie ahead.
