Fernando Alonso Admits Aston Martin Lacking Pure Performance Ahead of Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix
At the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso believes that Aston Martin’s struggles in qualifying stem from a lack of pure performance, which tyre savviness cannot compensate for. The team’s poor qualifying result, their worst since the Austrian Grand Prix, saw Alonso fail to reach Q3 in 11th place, while teammate Lance Stroll was eliminated in Q1 in 17th position.
As a result, Aston Martin faces an uphill battle to maintain their points-scoring streak, which has seen them secure four consecutive successful races. Although the team holds a 40-point buffer over sixth-placed Red Bull Racing in the constructors’ championship, their current form is a concern.
“I prefer to have an updated floor or rear wing than a brain at the moment,” the two-time world champion said. “But it could be the case tomorrow that we see a different Monza.”
Tyre strategy is expected to play a crucial role in the Monza race, with one- and two-stop strategies appearing to be viable options, according to Pirelli’s data. However, Alonso thinks that this is not the primary issue.
Pirelli’s director of motorsport, Mario Isola, agrees that a one-stop strategy is likely to be prioritized by teams, but notes that it won’t take much divergence from expected degradation to swing strategies towards two tyre changes.
“We believe that we still have a one-stop strategy, because the 25 seconds for an additional stop is too much to go over on track,” Isola explained.
However, teams are keeping their options open, with many deciding to keep two sets of hard tyres in their allocation, indicating that they are not 100% sure that a one-stop strategy will work. Isola added that teams would likely play it safe by choosing the one-stop, even if the two-stop strategy is only marginally quicker.
Overall, Formula 1 today, tyre strategy will be crucial, with teams walking a fine line between one- and two-stop approaches. The Italian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race, with tyre wear and degradation likely to dictate the outcome. As Alonso noted, “The tyres will dictate the race.” Stay tuned for the Formula 1 qualifying and get ready for an action-packed race at Monza.
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