Inside the Aston Martin camp, Team Principal Andy Cowell lifts the veil on Fernando Alonso’s often overlooked trait that is crucial to the team’s progress. As the 43-year-old veteran continues to spearhead development, his knack for discerning what matters from the trivial is touted as his most underestimated skill.
Aston Martin, led by Lawrence Stroll, is in the throes of a comeback, eager to reclaim the consistent podium finishes they relished at the onset of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Their performance took a downturn around the Canadian Grand Prix, spiraling into a dry spell that extended into the 2024 F1 season.
With the recent induction of Adrian Newey as the managing technical partner, the Silverstone-housed team is poised for a turnaround. As the 2025 season gears up to commence with the Australian GP from March 14-16, optimism is ripe within the Aston Martin quarters.
While technical virtuosos and genius engineers lay the groundwork for the cars, the drivers’ role in providing feedback and spearheading development cannot be underestimated. According to Cowell, Alonso’s ability to guide Aston Martin towards their objectives is an underappreciated asset.
“Fernando is an extraordinary individual and a valuable asset to our team,” Cowell shared with the BBC. His past experiences are invaluable, and his simulator feedback is consistently exceptional in every session. “But what truly sets him apart is his capacity to prioritize,” he added.
Cowell noted that it is common for teams to compile an exhaustive list of areas for improvement. However, the ability to distill this list to three pertinent priorities sets Alonso apart from the rest.
Aston Martin and Alonso are on a mission to banish the ghosts of 2023 and 2024. The team’s promising start in 2023 was marred by a dip in performance as the season progressed. They went from being second-quickest behind Red Bull to lagging behind Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari by the Abu Dhabi GP that year.
In 2024, the team kicked off on a promising note and seemed to have made amends by qualifying third at the Chinese GP as late as Round 5. However, they lost steam once again, struggling to keep up with rivals and found themselves pitted against Haas, RB, and Alpine.
With an aim to flip the script in 2025, the team is banking on Alonso’s wealth of experience and strategic intellect to steer them in the right direction. His astute feedback and ability to spotlight key areas for improvement will be instrumental in channeling resources towards impactful upgrades.
With Alonso at the helm, Aston Martin is hopeful of making significant strides in 2025. As they look to compete at the forefront of what is touted to be one of the most exhilarating seasons in the 75-year history of the sport, Alonso’s unsung talent might just be the ace up their sleeve.
