Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso aims for strong performance as heat and track conditions shape Miami Grand Prix weekend
After standing on the podium during the first three rounds of the season, Fernando Alonso’s streak briefly paused in Azerbaijan, where he finished fourth, eight-tenths behind Leclerc’s Ferrari. Yet he remains third in the World Championship, trailing only Red Bull, and travels to Miami with the same ambitious mindset he’s shown since joining Aston Martin in 2023. His team believes a deliberate, steady approach and a car that responds well to the conditions will be crucial this weekend.
Alonso noted that the track in Miami shares similarities with Jeddah and Baku, suggesting the weekend might unfold in familiar patterns, even as the climate proves unusual. He pointed out that asphalt temperatures could push toward extreme highs, with surface readings reaching 50ºC on the racing surface while Wednesday temperatures hovered around 60ºC. The heat brings its own set of challenges, but it also highlights potential strengths for a car that performs well under demanding conditions.
With heat often accelerating tire wear, the AMR23 could leverage degradation in favor of Aston Martin if races unfold in steady, dry weather with minimal interruptions. Alonso emphasized the need to validate this through free practice, noting that a hot, dry runoff could become a key factor on Sunday. Forecasts predict about a 40% chance of rain on race day morning, adding another layer of variability to the weekend’s plan.
Speaking about the grid, Alonso suggested that, apart from Red Bull, the order could shift substantially between sessions as circuits and weather play their parts. He also mentioned Ferrari and Mercedes’ recent improvements, anticipating Imola-style progress becoming visible over the season. Yet for now, holding the position they’ve earned remains a gift, one they did not expect to arrive so comfortably.
From a strategic standpoint, the team plans to race without undue pressure on Sundays, aiming to collect additional points as opportunities arise. If progress from rivals accelerates beyond the team’s pace, the focus could shift toward optimizing the 2024 car. Alonso noted that rivals have underestimated them and are keeping close tabs on the Aston Martin pace, a sign of growing competitiveness and a desire to push the team toward faster development in targeted areas. He stressed that the team is not at the top echelon yet, but remains determined to speed up the car where it matters most.
Reflecting on the broader F1 landscape, Alonso argued that without Red Bull, the title fight would have featured a tight race among three or four cars separated by about two tenths. He suggested the new regulations are contributing to healthier competition, with a potential future where stability could improve, even if the sport’s rules may shift again by 2026. This perspective aligns with a long view of Formula 1’s evolving dynamics, where changing dynamics and dominant pairings have defined seasons for years.
On the technical front, Alonso commented on FIA’s recent changes to the DRS zones 1 and 2 and discussions around resurfacing the Miami circuit. He noted that the new asphalt will alter grip levels and race feel, while DRS adjustments and the circuit’s overtaking characteristics will influence how the race unfolds. The broader implication is a Miami track that could look quite different this year, requiring adaptation and quick learning as teams explore the new surface and rules in practice and qualifying.
The overall sentiment from Alonso remains pragmatic and optimistic: the car’s warmth, the track’s heat, and the evolving regulations create a complex but navigable puzzle. The Miami weekend is framed as a test of resilience, adaptability, and a clear-eyed focus on maximizing the car’s strengths while recognizing the inevitable uncertainties that come with hot weather and evolving competition.