Fernando Alonso was pessimistic heading into qualifying in Bahrain, but the AMR24 proved more than capable of holding its own.
Aston Martin began last season as the second-fastest team, which Fernando Alonso capitalised on to full effect. He claimed six podiums in the first eight rounds, cementing the team’s phenomenal rise over winter.
However, the 42-year-old was less hopeful about hit chances in 2024 after Thursday’s practice.
Despite setting the 3rd-fastest time of the day, Alonso was confident that rivals had more pace in reserve. This was true to some degree, with the Spaniard dropping to 6th in the final qualifying session.
This doesn’t tell the full story, though, with Alonso just a few hundredths away from George Russell’s P3 time.
When also considering the Aston Martin driver’s lap was set halfway through the session (and therefore in a less rubbered in track), his performance becomes even more encouraging.
His teammate Lance Stroll would have also qualified higher had it not been a messy final attempt in Q2. In any case, Dan Fallows and Aston’s technical department deserve plenty of credit.
They found themselves in a very depressing situation last season, taking the wrong path with development. By the end of the 2023 campaign, Lawrence Stroll’s team had been relegated to 5th-fastest.
Although nothing is confirmed after a single qualifying session, they are very firmly in the mix.
Alonso eluded to this development on Friday evening, outlining his satisfaction with the team’s winter progression:
“It was a nice surprise tonight in Qualifying to finish sixth and a very good way to start the new season.
“We were cautious heading into the session, but we found ourselves competitive and in the end we were only a tenth away from the Ferraris in Q3.
“The car felt more connected this weekend and our fine tuning was a real positive.
“I think it will be very close tomorrow in the race, and the fine margins between us all means how we manage everything will be key.
“Let’s see what we can do, but I’m confident heading into the race.”
Perhaps the biggest complication for Aston Martin is that everyone else around them has also closed the gap to Red Bull.
Max Verstappen is still the favourite, but not to the same degree as last season. Red Bull’s RB20 is far more beatable than its predecessor.
Driver ability, operational efficiency and strategy will all play a bigger role than last season.
Even the run into turn 1, which sees the Dutchman surrounded by rivals, could complicate his evening.
For Alonso and Mike Krack’s personnel, today presents a huge opportunity. Should Aston execute a clean race, they could again re-assert themselves as podium contenders.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
