Alonso says ‘wake-up call’ ultimately good for Aston Martin

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Fernando Alonso believes the struggles endured by Aston Martin in the last two races are a “wake-up call” for the Silverstone-based outfit, but one that will ultimately benefit the team.

While Aston introduced an upgrade package at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, its main rivals followed suit which resulted in no relative gains for its AMR24 contender.

Furthermore, the car’s latest developments appear to have put it on the ragged edge in terms of handling, a precarious balance exposed by Alonso’s crash in FP3 at Imola and by another off-track excursion in the first segment of qualifying.

In Monaco last weekend, Alonso was once again left stranded in Q1 while Stroll qualified 14th, just two spots ahead.

On Sunday, the former concluded his afternoon P11 while a puncture pushed the Canadian down to P15 at the checkered flag.

Read also: F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 Monaco GP

"These two weekends have been crucial to understand our weaknesses, to understand the car, to improve," Alonso said after last weekend’s race.

"In the difficulties you always draw more conclusions than in the victories, so we are learning a lot I think for the rest of the year, 2025 and 2026.

"These two races have been a big wake-up call and it will be very good for us."

Alonso described the AMR24’s difficulties as “some entry oversteer, some corner understeer, kerb riding, just the usual things to keep working on.

“It's a little bit of a trickier balance than the car we had last year for sure."

While acknowledging the need for improvement, Alonso also cautioned against expecting a quick fix.

The F1 veteran revealed that Aston Martin's next significant upgrade package won't be rolled out for "a few races" yet.

This suggests a more long-term development plan is in place, and the team is focused on addressing the car's core handling issues before introducing further performance-oriented upgrades.

©AstonMartin

"[We had] some doubts after Imola and in Monaco that we didn't manage to go fast, and we have to try to change this trend," explained the 42-year-old.

"It will take us a few races until we introduce a significant improvement in the car, but until then we have to give everything and we have to improve on the track to get the results.

"There will be better days, worse days and we have to be united."

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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.