Ahead of the Imola race this weekend, Aston Martin, following McLaren’s lead, introduced their first major update package for the 2024 season. The upgrades were aimed at improving the car’s performance across various circuits.
The improvements for Aston Martin included changes to the floor, front wing, and diffuser. Technical director Dan Fallows described the update as part of an “aggressive” development plan.
However, despite these efforts, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll expressed disappointment after qualifying. He qualified in 13th place, three-tenths of a second behind Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull in 10th. His teammate, Fernando Alonso, faced even greater challenges, qualifying in 19th place after a crash during practice.
Stroll voiced his dissatisfaction with the upgrades, stating that they were not enough to compete with the teams at the front of the grid. He emphasized the need for more improvements to increase competitiveness.
According to Stroll, the car lacked sufficient downforce and balance, as well as facing ongoing behavioral issues throughout the season. He stressed the importance of continuous upgrades to enhance performance in Formula 1.
Alonso’s qualifying session was also challenging. He explained that he was fueled for multiple laps in the first session, resulting in an overweight car when he set his fastest time. An unidentified issue forced him to pit during the session, preventing him from improving his time later on.
Alonso expressed regret for the team’s difficulties, particularly for the mechanics who worked hard to prepare the car. He described it as a frustrating day where everything seemed to go wrong.
