Aston Martin completes the 2024 season marked by difficulties. The expectations from the previous year and the investments made indicated a car capable of competing with the top teams. On the contrary, the performance was far from the leading positions. Additionally, what is concerning is that the best results came early in the season. This demonstrates a loss of performance relative to the competitors over the course of the season.
Aston Martin seems to be focusing more off-track. Throughout the year, significant investments and partnerships were made. The first acquisition was Adrian Newey, followed by Cardile, the opening of a new factory, and overall improvements to the infrastructure. Partnerships were also formed, notably with Honda for engines starting in 2026.
It seems that the funding is not enough to return to competing for victories. The aim is to become fully independent, both for the car components and the engines. What should worry the team, and thus the focus of their work, is the ability to stay competitive throughout all 24 races.
Aston Martin’s season
Aston Martin started the 2024 season where they expected to be. It was predictable that they would be the fifth-best team behind the top teams after the end of the previous season. The reason why the team may consider itself disappointed is the expectations that had built up. It was thought that with the continuation of the season and the updates brought, they could close the gap with the benchmark teams. This didn’t happen, and on the contrary, the teams behind them closed the gap.
Despite all the resources deployed and the numerous packages brought to the track, Aston Martin’s problem once again lies in developments. The difficulty is maintaining pace throughout the season and, above all, bringing the right improvements.
The two drivers achieved their best results early in the season. Alonso’s fifth place in Jeddah and Lance’s sixth place in Australia. The team scored 94 points compared to 280 last season. In the standings, they finished again in fifth place, well behind Mercedes. This season cannot be defined as positive, and in the future, there will be no more excuses.
The Imola update
A key point in Aston Martin’s 2024 season was the update brought to Imola. The team’s technicians expected a significant step forward with the new aerodynamic package. On the contrary, the car took a step backward. According to Mike Krack, a lot of hope had been placed in this update, but the expected result did not arrive.
At Imola, the entire car was revised, starting with the front wing and nose. Moving towards the rear, a completely new floor and a new diffuser were brought. The rear suspension and engine cover were also revised.
The consequence of this update was a deterioration in driveability. The front and rear axles didn’t work harmoniously, and the car was difficult to manage in corners and often unpredictable. This can be seen in Alonso’s crash during free practice and the subsequent last-place finish in qualifying.
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