Fernando Alonso admits Aston Martin have fallen down the grid
Fernando Alonso spent most of the Dutch GP on the defensive, falling from 7th on the grid to 10th across the line. The Spaniard anticipated a difficult race on Saturday, explaining that Aston Martin still lacked race pace. This assessment proved accurate, with Alonso describing the AMR24 as the 7th-fastest car post-race.
Despite showing flashes of potential at the start of 2024, this year has been one to forget for Aston Martin.
Not only is their absolute pace in decline, but the AMR24 takes a clear step backwards on race day. In qualifying, Alonso and Stroll managed to out-qualify a Mercedes and a Ferrari, making Aston one of three teams with both cars in the top 10.
However, the team’s true performance became clear over the race distance on Sunday.
Haas and even Alpine, rather than the front-runners, have become Alonso’s main rivals.
Aston relegated to the midfield scrap
Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, Alonso was candid about the situation at Aston Martin:
“We will fight for 9th and 10th again. We can have some fights, but [fighting at the front] is outside our possibilities.
“Even if they start from the pitlane, today Ferrari ended up on the podium.
“We are light years away. Making it into Q3 is only a small present – knowing that in the race, we are vulnerable within a few laps.
“If only we could be in no man’s land again, like at the beginning of the year,” Alonso explained.
“Because now the teams behind are catching up. In general, we are the 7th-fastest team, and we have to improve – without a doubt.”
Focus firmly on the long-term
Of course, there are still encouraging signs for Aston Martin in the long term. If Adrian Newey decides to finalise an agreement with the Silverstone-based team, it would be a huge boost for their 2026 prospects.
Alongside their new development facilities being finished, Newey’s arrival could bring optimism back to the team.
However, the next eighteen months could be extremely difficult. Mike Krack’s squad have been definitively relegated to the midfield pack, incapable of meaningfully competing at the front.
Considering Alonso claimed eight podiums last year, this is a huge fall from grace.
To make matters worse, teams who were behind Aston Martin just over twelve months ago (like McLaren) have shown what could have been possible for the British outfit.
