After a physically brutal Brazilian Grand Prix, two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso did not hold back in his criticism of Pirelli, the sport’s tire supplier, following a chaotic race that saw multiple accidents and drivers struggling with grip. The challenging conditions at Interlagos, worsened by unpredictable rain, pushed drivers—and their tires—to the limit, with five cars crashing out and many struggling to maintain control on intermediate tires.
Alonso, who has navigated countless F1 eras and tire manufacturers over his two-decade career, bluntly stated that Pirelli’s tires fail to meet the sport’s demands, particularly in adverse weather. “They were not the ideal conditions, but we don’t even have Formula 1 tires. When it rains a little, there’s always aquaplaning and accidents. Sometimes you can’t even follow the Safety Car,” he said, calling for urgent improvements.
The Spaniard, who has managed only 62 points this season in Aston Martin’s often uncooperative AMR24, endured a rough run at Interlagos, compounded by technical issues. “And then we had a brake issue,” Alonso added. “I think Lance had the brake problem in the formation lap, and I had it after all the restarts where the brake balance goes completely rearwards—it’s like braking with a handbrake.”
Alonso, who struggled with severe back pain and fatigue during the race, highlighted the physical toll these issues took on him. The demanding nature of the AMR24, especially under braking zones, made it an exhausting race, with the 43-year-old feeling every mile on the bumpy, slippery track.
Aston Martin is now focused on 2025, aiming to develop a more competitive car to fulfill the team’s growing ambitions. With Alonso’s wealth of experience and the team’s commitment to improving its machinery, the Silverstone squad hopes to be in a position for a title push in the coming seasons.
