The last race is already in the past. Fernando Alonso now has his eyes set on Barcelona and the next Grand Prix. While both the driver and Aston Martin remain cautious, there’s growing anticipation across the paddock to see how the latest upgrades to the AMR25 perform.
Aston Martin Brings New Upgrades to Barcelona
Like every team on the grid, Aston Martin is making changes in Barcelona. That’s because a new FIA regulation officially goes into effect this weekend: the end of flexible front wings — a hot topic of controversy, especially around McLaren. Starting now, every team must comply with a rule that was approved before the season began, but delayed until this race to give everyone time to adapt.
Aston Martin is confident. The team believes its new components — especially its new front wing — could be the best on the grid. Why? Two words: Adrian Newey and their brand-new wind tunnel. These are the first parts built 100% with Aston Martin’s upgraded technology. While the Imola updates were tested in the new tunnel, they were originally produced in Mercedes’ facilities. This time, the parts are fully homegrown.
But the upgrades don’t stop there. Aston Martin is also debuting a new suspension system and other aerodynamic pieces designed to boost the AMR25’s performance.
What’s at Stake for Alonso
Despite the optimism, both Alonso and Aston Martin are managing expectations. Still, within the team — and even among rivals — there’s a quiet belief that the AMR25 could take a major step forward this weekend. Caution is understandable given how last year’s updates unfolded, but everyone in F1 knows the potential that lies within this car. At some point, that performance has to show up on the track — and Barcelona could be the turning point.
Looking at Imola, where the AMR25 showed solid pace with both drivers, and at Alonso’s form in Monaco — where he was running in the top 7 before retiring — there’s genuine reason to expect more this Sunday. Barcelona is a track that suits Aston Martin well.
Scoring points should be a given unless something unusual happens. But Alonso’s real goal? A top-5 finish — at minimum. Given how tight the midfield battle is, if Aston Martin’s upgrades find just a few tenths, the team could suddenly be fighting for the podium.
There’s also uncertainty around how the rest of the grid will respond to the new regulation. Some teams will gain performance, others may lose it — and that’s exactly where Aston Martin hopes to capitalize.
It would mark a radical shift after what’s been one of the most frustrating starts to a season for the team in recent years.
Time to Deliver
Alonso won’t say it out loud — and neither will Aston Martin. They kept expectations low in Italy, too. The team knows it must aim high, but also stay grounded. Progress in F1 doesn’t come easy. Aston Martin has taken several steps in recent months that haven’t led anywhere — but this time, things could finally start to click.
This weekend’s result could be pivotal. It may set the tone for the rest of the season. From this point forward, only small changes are expected — so what we see in Barcelona could very well define the competitive order for the months ahead.