Fernando Alonso faced a challenging 2024 Formula 1 season as Aston Martin struggled to maintain the promising form they displayed early in the campaign.
The two-time world champion had a strong start, finishing in the points in the first six races of the season. However, as the championship moved to Europe, Aston Martin’s performance took a noticeable dip. Alonso delivered a standout performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he secured sixth place, impressively finishing ahead of both Mercedes drivers. Despite moments like this, the team failed to recapture the competitive edge they had during the opening rounds and often found themselves fighting at the edge of the points.
While frustrations ran high within the Silverstone-based squad, Fernando Alonso remains optimistic about Aston Martin’s future. The team continues to invest in its infrastructure, including the completion of a state-of-the-art factory, and looks forward to the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey. Though 2024 didn’t deliver the success Alonso had hoped for, it wasn’t a lost season, as the foundations for long-term progress were laid.
There’s also potential for an indirect boost in 2025, thanks to Mercedes’ plans to refine their car.
Fernando Alonso could benefit from Mercedes’ rear axle upgrade in 2025
Mercedes endured a turbulent season themselves, marked by a mix of highs and lows. They enjoyed a dominant stretch before the summer break, claiming three wins in four races, but struggled for consistency later, managing just two podium finishes in the second half of the year. The team excelled in cooler conditions, with Lewis Hamilton leading the Sprint in China and Mercedes clinching a one-two at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, the unpredictable nature of their car, particularly its rear axle, often caused issues. Lewis Hamilton’s costly error in Las Vegas qualifying highlighted these challenges.
This unpredictability in Mercedes’ rear axle also impacted their customer teams, including Aston Martin, which uses the same engine and gearbox setup. Improvements Mercedes plan to implement for 2025 could directly benefit Aston Martin’s performance. According to Jesus Munoz on SoyMotor, these changes are expected to require minimal effort to implement, yet they could significantly enhance rear-end stability—a potential game-changer for both teams.
As Aston Martin eyes a resurgence and Alonso gears up for another season, the collaboration with Mercedes could offer the edge they need to return to the front of the grid.
Leave a Reply