Following a vastly disappointing season, Fernando Alonso cites the dearth of time in Mercedes wind tunnel as being a big issue.
Ending fifth within the crew standings might need appeared good on paper – contemplating the energy of the ‘massive 4’ – however the truth that Aston Martin was 374 factors down on (fourth-placed) Mercedes reveals simply how dire the British crew’s season actually was.
Although there have been factors finishes within the opening 4 races, and Canada – certainly one of solely 4 events when each drivers scored factors – was arguably the perfect (crew) efficiency of the 12 months, the second half of the season noticed the crew battling for scraps, whereas Lance Stroll failed to attain a single level after the summer time break.
Certainly, it was exhausting to imagine that this was the identical crew that scored six podiums within the opening eight races of 2023 and although nonetheless ending fifth was solely 22 factors down on fourth-placed McLaren.
The recruitment of Adrian Newey gives hope for the long run, as does the brand new partnership with Honda, however reflecting on a depressing 2024, Alonso believes the shut ties to Mercedes had been partly accountable for his outfit’s struggles.
Aside from the Mercedes energy unit, Aston Martin relied on its German rival for its gearbox and in addition its wind-tunnel, the place, understandably, time was restricted.
“It is not a simple resolution or a simple reply, as a result of if not, in all probability we’ll do it somewhat bit simpler than what we’ve got discovered,” the Spaniard informed the Chequered Flag podcast.
“I believe an issue of understanding somewhat bit the insides of the automobile, among the wind tunnel issues that I believe additionally Mercedes confronted final 12 months, by way of growing the automobile,” he added. “Our wind tunnel utilization is somewhat bit restricted by utilizing the Mercedes tunnel.”
Fortunately, the crew’s personal new windtunnel comes on-stream this 12 months, and whereas it will likely be too late to help the crew’s 2025 contender it will likely be at Newey’s disposal for the 2026 automobile.
Certainly, crew boss Mike Krack can hardly wait.
“We may have Yoda quickly serving to us and his pressure, so nothing can go improper for 2026,” he says in a latest crew Q&A on YouTube.
