On the eve of the home race weekend for the Spanish GP, Fernando Alonso presents himself with a difficult season so far and very different from the previous year. If in 2023 he was regularly fighting for the podium, today Aston Martin has seen a significant decline in performance. Despite some flashes of potential shown in qualifying, the AMR24 fails to compete for the top positions during the race. From the second force in the championship at the start of last season, today the team is barely fifth, penalized by ineffective updates and technical directives that have slowed down their progress. Despite this, Alonso managed to get a sixth place in Canada, a result which, despite being one of the best of the year, reflects the team's crisis. In Spain, an important testing ground for the teams, Fernando certainly doesn't expect miracles but will do everything he can to put on a show in front of his fans.
Fernando Alonso at his 21st Spanish GP
For Alonso, the Spanish Grand Prix represents much more than just a home race. Symbol of an era in which the Montmelò circuit was packed with fans, Alonso brought Formula 1 into the hearts of Spaniards. His victory on 12 May 2013 at Montmelò remains the last pearl of a career which, for many, achieved less than he deserved. His farewell to F1, his return, at almost 43 years old Fernando is still here, and continues to demonstrate his exceptional talent and his undeniable competitiveness. With a contract already signed for 2025, the two-time world champion never stops dreaming and inspiring.
“Next year will be the tenth anniversary with two Spanish riders – says Fernando in the press conference. I don't think I'll be able to fight for an important goal, but maybe Carlos will.
It certainly won't be an easy weekend, like the ones to follow. The Spanish GP in fact inaugurates a demanding sequence of three consecutive races, which will end in July with the Silverstone GP.
Sixth place in Canada was a positive result but as we know the conditions were variable and this may have played in Aston Martin's favor as Fernando himself admits as he hopes to see some rain in Barcelona. “Every race was a surprise, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Canada was positive, and also a little unexpected given the previous two negative weekends. We prefer a wet track because we are not sure of our competitiveness on the dry. This track can make us understand a lot, but there are many very different tracks. As for our beliefs, they are clear to us but I won't say them here in front of everyone. We are strong in qualifying and with the DRS. With the new package we hope to improve further where we have problems." At the moment the forecast is for light rain on Sunday.
Newey in Aston Martin? Alonso replies
How long Adrian Newey has left Red Bull, rumors about his possible arrival at Aston Martin have alternated with those about an agreement with Ferrari. It is said that the super designer, despite attempts and visits to Aston Martin headquarters, was unable to reach an economic agreement with Lawrence Stroll. At the moment no rumor has been confirmed and Fernando is keen to underline this. “Yes, I've read a lot, but the rumors come from sources who gave it to Ferrari last week. What I would tell him I keep to myself.”
Source statements: sky sports f1
