Fernando Alonso expressed strong optimism about Aston Martin's performance after an impressive showing in Friday's practice sessions at Zandvoort, predicting the team could "be in the mix" with Ferrari and Red Bull. This marks a notable improvement, as Fridays have typically been Aston Martin's weakest days this season.
Why it matters:
Aston Martin's improved Friday pace at Zandvoort provides significant encouragement, suggesting the team is making strides in understanding their car and closing the gap to top competitors. This newfound confidence is crucial not only for the current race weekend but also for the development of their 2026 car.
The details:
- Alonso finished an impressive P2 in the second practice session, positioning himself between the two McLarens.
- While he believes McLarens are currently out of reach, Alonso stated that Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull "seem not too far away," indicating a potential battle.
- He highlighted the positive correlation between factory data and on-track performance as a key factor for confidence, especially looking towards 2026. "Everything that we brought to the track is working as expected," Alonso noted, emphasizing its importance for future development.
- Teammate Lance Stroll's FP2 session ended early with a crash at Turn 2. Despite the impact, Stroll confirmed he was "100%" and fit to continue for the rest of the weekend.
What's next:
Aston Martin will focus on translating their promising practice pace into strong qualifying and race results. The team's continued effort to ensure factory developments align with track performance remains a primary goal for the remainder of the season and preparations for the 2026 regulations.