Brundle: Aston Martin needs upcoming updates 'to work'

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Martin Brundle says Aston Martin will need its upcoming updates "to work" for the Silverstone-based outfit to recoup its runner-up spot behind Red Bull in F1's Constructors' standings.

After a massively impressive start to its 2023 campaign, with Fernando Alonso scoring five podiums in the first six races, Aston was outpaced by Mercedes and also by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz in Barcelona last weekend.

Lance Stroll and Alonso finished their race at the Circuit de Catalunya respectively P6 and P7, but the overall result has left the team 8 points behind Mercedes in the championship.

"Russell drove a fine race to take the final step on the podium," Brundle wrote in his post-race column for Sky Sports.

"Hamilton, who is driving with an especially feisty and happy demeanour lately, was a further eight seconds up the road for a solid second place and double Mercedes podium.

Read also: F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2023 Spanish GP

While impressed Mercedes' efforts in Spain, Brundle was also quick to highlight the time deficit between the Brackley squad's drivers and unassailable race winner Max Verstappen.

"Before we get too excited, they were 24 and 32 seconds, respectively, behind a cruising Verstappen but at least it’s some hope that the Mercedes sidepod upgrade did some good, although we can’t say that about Ferrari’s similar upgrade yet."

©AstonMartin

Montreal in two weeks' time will see Aston fit new elements to its AMR23, and Brundle hopes the changes will bear fruit.

"After a tremendous start to the season, Aston Martin need their imminent update to work too, as they fall behind Mercedes in the Constructors’ championship," added the former F1 driver.

"The massive Spanish crowd, who had to endure poor traffic management outside the circuit, needed to be content with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari in fifth place, 45 seconds behind the winner, and Fernando Alonso in seventh, behind his Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll.

"I did enjoy Fernando waving to the crowd while power-sliding his car around on the final tour."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.