Fernando Alonso arrived in Las Vegas with positive vibes after the podium in Brazil, and the momentum carried into the opening day of testing. He qualified third, trailing Leclerc’s Ferrari by about half a second, and he believes the Aston Martin can unlock additional potential as the session continues tomorrow. The mood among the team is pragmatic, focused on squeezing every fraction of performance from the car while benefits from the changes to the Strip layout are still being evaluated. Alonso’s early assessment suggests the team is close but not finished, and there remains room to grow before the weekend unfolds. — Source: FIA
Alonso logged 38 laps on the day, adapting to the park’s new Strip configuration and dealing with the typical early testing hurdles: slight track irregularities, a chilly surface, and the increased demand for traction in cooler conditions. He offered a candid appraisal of the track, noting several characteristics that could influence setup choices and tire management. Las Vegas, with its wide mix of corners and long straights, presents a unique challenge. At night, tire temperatures dip, which adds another variable for engineers and drivers alike to monitor as setups shift to optimize grip and balance. Alonso emphasized the importance of areas with hard braking and the need to understand braking stability across different corners as the session progresses. — Source: FIA
Looking ahead, Alonso remains optimistic about a weekend filled with high-speed action and plenty of overtaking opportunities. He anticipates a tightly contested qualifying and a race that could swing on small margins, underscoring the value of consistent pace and strategic tire management. If the balance is right and the team makes the most of the car’s strengths, he believes the audience will witness an exciting contest. The driver’s prediction centers on a close fight, with both the session and the race offering a genuine sense of competition and drama for fans and teams alike. — Source: FIA
Regarding Aston Martin’s current performance, Alonso stresses that there is still work to be done. He notes that although the first day yielded positive indicators, the team must continue refining both the car’s setup and its on-track behavior. The plan is to assess where improvements can be made to maximize overall efficiency and extraction of performance. Tomorrow’s program will include critical checks on aerodynamics, mechanical grip, and cooling, all aimed at discovering the best possible balance and efficiency from the vehicle. The shared message across the squad is one of steady progression rather than rapid, sweeping changes. — Source: FIA