The tests in Bahrain left Aston Martin with questions. While teams like McLaren and Ferrari showed great potential, the Silverstone-based team opted for a different path: data collection and aerodynamic testing at the expense of not showing the true potential of their AMR25. Fernando Alonso made his message clear: “It is not a valid preseason, the teams will be developing until the middle of the championship”.
The more than 300 laps completed by Aston Martin in Bahrain show a focus on reliability and race set-up, but not on achieving fast times in qualifying simulations. Along the same lines, team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa also commented on the strategy: “Many have gone all out to be first. We didn’t do simulations. There are positive things and we are optimistic in the areas to be improved”.
The key for Aston Martin: stability and downforce
Aston Martin has opted to optimize the car’s stability without compromising the downforce. Eric Blandin, the head of aerodynamics, confirmed that this was one of the main objectives of the AMR25. Andy Cowell, the team boss, explained it as follows: “We wanted to increase the downforce and keep the car stable”.
The changes made to the pontoons and the spoiler have allowed for a better balance to be achieved, although the tests did not show any changes in terms of pure speed, the engineers are optimistic and are confident that the first improvements, according to the team, will make a difference in Australia. The Mercedes engine used by Aston Martin in the tests was also limited in terms of revolutions and unable to show its full potential, a key nuance that could alter the final result when it unleashes its full force on the Melbourne circuit.
The consistency of the car was also evident in its cornering. Fernando Alonso showed that the car responds well in difficult conditions. He modified his braking without significant errors and maintained correct tyre wear, something important on a track like Albert Park.
Fernando Alonso, the differential factor in Melbourne
If there is one factor that could be decisive in this Australian GP, it is Fernando Alonso. He made long runs with hard tires without noticing a drop in performance. His experience and his ability to get involved in the race strategy are two factors that could be key on a circuit that presents tire wear and pace management.
The double world champion is calm in the face of the current adversity: “I’m not worried. There are positive developments, but we have to keep working. If the updates work, we’ll take a big step forward”. This work philosophy is shared by the whole team, which has learned from the oscillations of 2024 and is opting for a gradual change rather than an express solution.
The technical management team headed by Cowell has implemented a new working system based on robustness and continuous improvement. Pedro de la Rosa put it very bluntly: “We have a good team, tools, people and talent at all levels”. Meanwhile, Alonso also follows this same line of thought, “we only focus on ourselves”, he stressed.
At Aston Martin they arrive at the Australian Grand Prix without having shown all their cards, but with a road map that is clear. The stability of the AMR25, Alonso’s experience, and a Mercedes engine that in pre-season testing may have underperformed, are positive signs for the British team. The planned updates, which should work, will make the Australian track the first race where Aston Martin’s real potential is shown.