Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin began their push in the Formula 1 World Championship in Bahrain, clinching an unexpected third place ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes. It was a result that underscored the strong qualitative leap hinted at during the preseason. Now, in a markedly different setting, the spotlight shifts to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the inner-city runway will serve as a decisive test for the AMR23.
Should the Asturian driver maintain or elevate his performance, the next target becomes catching the formidable Red Bull team. This shift has raised questions and raised some concerns about potential influences, with whispers about Dan Fallows and past collaborations with Adrian Newey at Milton Keynes. Yet Lawrence Stroll’s financial backing remains a decisive force in the team’s trajectory.
‘Host’ race for Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso
The Canadian entrepreneur has built a high-value project that could bear fruit as Alonso battles for a third title at age 41, even when confidence from some quarters is thin. “A few years back I said this would take time and effort to mature,” observers note, reflecting on a five-season journey toward a World Championship. Though skeptics existed, leadership and vision began to reshape the team. Construction continues on a new, high-tech facility in Silvertone, including an advanced wind tunnel, while a move is not expected until May 1. The team emphasizes that this year’s success cannot be solely attributed to the new building.
aston martin plans minor updates for upcoming races, with a major upgrade package slated for Imola on May 21. Bahrain highlighted their pace with the second fastest car on the grid, and if calculations hold, they could track Red Bull through the European swing. Yet many still wonder how the team progressed so rapidly after finishing seventh in 2022. Here are the keys driving that rapid ascent.
Regulations and budget limit
Formula 1 introduced a budget cap two years ago to curb costs and level the playing field so that the strongest teams cannot outspend rivals. Aston Martin faced a tougher reshaping task than historic rivals like Ferrari or Mercedes, starting from a lower baseline without breaching the cap. “The team grew internally in a relatively organic way, staying within the spending limit,” reflects the Chief Sports Officer. That approach has provided a potential edge over a squad that began well above the cap and had to tighten.
Agreements and signatures
Aston Martin’s Silverstone facility, including a modern wind tunnel, will take time to complete. The arrangement with Mercedes to share Brackley’s tunnel proves practical and efficient. “Having access to a personal tunnel would be ideal, but sharing the Mercedes facility gives us the testing flexibility we need,” the technical leadership remarked.
Stroll has demonstrated business acumen by assembling a top-tier team. In addition to recruiting Fallows, Luca Furbatto, with a background across Red Bull and other top outfits, has been brought on board. Rumors persist about potential recruitment efforts targeting Ferrari as well.
Since the Force India era and the Pink Mercedes days, Stroll has shown a willingness to adopt successful strategies. This year, besides the Mercedes power unit, the AMR23 features the same gearbox and rear suspension as the Brackley squad. That alignment has drawn commentary from rivals and highlighted the intense competition driving the depth of collaboration between teams.
‘Impact’ Fernando Alonso
One of the most significant moves behind the Aston Martin project has been bringing in Fernando Alonso. The team’s leadership recognizes the value of a driver with a proven track record and an relentless desire for success. Technical leadership emphasizes that Alonso brings a clear edge in race reading, tire management, and pushing the car to its limit from the outset of each session, a factor that translates into strategic tuning advantages. His presence has energized the entire organization and is evident in the celebrations seen after Bahrain.
The driver himself points to a combination of leadership, ambition, and the willingness of the team to pursue aggressive opportunities. “Vision and determination come from the top, and the chances are there for those who grab them. The team is prepared to do whatever it takes to win, and I’m proud to be part of this organization,” Alonso remarked.