Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso’s frustrations reached a boiling point during the Qatar Grand Prix as the Aston Martin driver vented his anger on team radio over a recurring issue that has plagued the team for two seasons: a lack of straight-line speed. Starting from eighth on the grid, Alonso faced a challenging opening lap, losing positions and reigniting a long-standing complaint about Aston Martin’s excess drag.
“Two Years with the Same Problem”: Alonso’s Furious Radio Message
Alonso’s frustrations were audible early in the race as he fell behind rivals due to Aston Martin’s straight-line speed deficit. Over team radio, the Spaniard unleashed his anger:
“I cannot fking believe it, man. Two years with the same fking problem on the straights.”
The AMR24’s drag-heavy design has been a thorn in Alonso’s side since he joined Aston Martin in 2023. Despite the team’s early-season promise, their inability to address aerodynamic inefficiencies has left them vulnerable on high-speed circuits like Lusail.
A Disastrous Start for Aston Martin
While Alonso struggled to recover positions, his teammate Lance Stroll endured an even tougher race. The Canadian collided with a Williams on the opening lap, sustaining significant damage to his car. Initially instructed to retire, Stroll was later sent back out on hard tires, only to retire definitively later in the race.
For Aston Martin, the opening laps underscored their current struggles as they attempt to hold their ground in the midfield battle.
Alonso’s Determined Recovery and Call for Change
Despite his early setbacks, Alonso showcased his trademark tenacity, making an impressive overtake later in the race to climb back into contention. However, his frustrations serve as a stark reminder that Aston Martin must address fundamental issues if they hope to improve in 2025.
Alonso has made it clear that resolving the team’s straight-line speed deficit is a top priority. The Silverstone-based team must now focus their efforts over the winter break on reducing drag and optimizing their aerodynamic package.
What’s Next for Aston Martin?
With the 2024 F1 season nearing its conclusion, Aston Martin faces an uphill battle to return to form in 2025. Alonso’s vocal criticism highlights the urgency for technical changes, particularly in the car’s aerodynamics. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, consistent performance will require addressing the core issues that have held them back.
The offseason will be crucial for the team’s development program as they strive to support Alonso’s ambition to fight at the front once more. Whether Aston Martin can make the necessary strides remains to be seen, but Alonso’s message is clear: there’s no room for the same mistakes in 2025.
Conclusion: A Frustrated Champion Seeks Solutions
Fernando Alonso’s outburst during the Qatar GP serves as a wake-up call for Aston Martin. While the Spaniard’s resilience kept him in the fight, his team’s persistent straight-line speed issues continue to limit their potential. With only one race left in the season, all eyes will be on Aston Martin’s offseason efforts to address their weaknesses and return stronger next year.
For Alonso, time is of the essence. The two-time world champion’s patience is wearing thin, and he’ll expect nothing less than a competitive car when the lights go out in 2025.