Fernando Alonso Demands Faster Aston Martin to Avoid Risky Overtakes
Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso is not holding back on demanding improvements from his Aston Martin team. The Spaniard, who recently showcased his skills with bold overtaking maneuvers at the Spanish Grand Prix, is calling for a boost in straight-line speed to avoid having to make risky and unconventional passes during races.
Alonso’s plea comes after a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he had to battle front tire degradation and a lack of top speed. The two-time world champion expressed his frustration at not being able to overtake using DRS (Drag Reduction System) like his competitors, highlighting the need for a more competitive car in terms of straight-line performance.
The veteran driver’s concerns are supported by speed trap data from qualifying, where Aston Martin cars were notably slower compared to other teams. This lack of speed not only hinders overtaking opportunities but also forces drivers like Alonso to take aggressive routes, putting extra strain on tires and causing increased degradation.
Aston Martin’s trackside chief, Mike Krack, acknowledged the team’s need for improvement in aero efficiency to address the speed deficit. Krack emphasized the impact of aggressive overtakes on tire wear and the overall performance of the car, stressing the urgency to optimize the vehicle setup for better race-day results.
Alonso, who managed to secure his first points of the season in Spain, remains optimistic but firm in his demand for better straight-line speed and reduced tire degradation. The driver highlighted the team’s struggle to maintain performance levels from qualifying to race day, indicating a need for adjustments to maximize competitiveness on Sundays.
As Aston Martin faces scrutiny over its current performance challenges, the pressure is on the team to deliver tangible improvements to meet Alonso’s expectations and elevate their standing in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.