Fernando Alonso’s tenure at Aston Martin has taken a challenging turn, with the two-time world champion now battling for points rather than podiums. After joining the Silverstone-based squad in 2023, Alonso’s promising start—marked by multiple podium finishes—has given way to a season of frustration as the AMR24 struggles to compete with its rivals. Team boss Mike Krack recently opened up about the toll this has taken on Alonso and the daunting road ahead for Aston Martin.
From Podiums to Fighting for Points
Krack admitted the team’s performance slump has put Alonso in an unenviable position. The Spaniard, renowned for his relentless pursuit of excellence, now finds himself celebrating seventh-place finishes—a far cry from his championship-winning years.
“To be honest with you, I feel for him because they are the ones exposed,” Krack said. “Especially a double world champion with so many years fighting for victories, and now fighting for seventh is a great result.”
The decline in performance has been evident throughout the 2024 season, with Aston Martin failing to maintain the momentum it built in Alonso’s first year. The AMR24’s inability to compete with front-runners has led to tense moments, including Alonso voicing his frustrations over team radio.
Maintaining Alonso’s Confidence: Actions Over Words
Alonso joined Aston Martin with high hopes for the team’s ambitious project. However, Krack acknowledged that words alone would no longer suffice to keep Alonso’s confidence intact. The team must demonstrate tangible progress on the track.
“You have to accept the degree of suspicion, of skepticism from the driver, which is normal,” Krack explained. “It now needs to be actions more than words.”
With Alonso’s reputation as a fierce competitor, Aston Martin faces the challenge of not only delivering results but also ensuring the Spaniard remains motivated. This is particularly crucial as the team looks ahead to 2026, when the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey is expected to inject new life into their efforts.
2025: A Make-or-Break Year
While Alonso’s focus may increasingly shift to the team’s long-term goals for 2026, Aston Martin cannot afford to stagnate in 2025. The team’s ability to regain competitiveness next year will be pivotal in maintaining Alonso’s commitment to the project.
Aston Martin fans and Alonso supporters alike are eager to see how the Silverstone squad bounces back during the winter break. The pressure is on for Aston Martin to prove it can climb back up the grid, or risk losing the faith of one of Formula 1’s most iconic drivers.
