Although Aston Martin’s performance in 2024 has been inconsistent, the Imola Grand Prix this weekend could provide greater insight into the company’s potential.
Aston Martin debuted their first set of improvements in Japan at the fourth round of the year. Taken at face value, they appeared to produce sensible outcomes. In qualifying, Fernando Alonso was in the mix with Ferrari and McLaren, and in the Grand Prix, the AMR24 demonstrated better tyre conservation. Unfortunately for the Silverstone-based team, things haven’t looked nearly as promising since.
In general, the automobile under Dan Fallows’ supervision is unlike the one it replaced. The car performs exceptionally well on Saturdays, often challenging for Pole Position but consistently finishing in the top 6.
This was the face for the first several rounds, at least. The arrival of improvements from McLaren and Ferrari might potentially alter this situation for Aston Martin. Updates from the Woking-based crew produced notable performance for the MCL38 in Miami, where they were devastatingly successful. Andrea Stella’s team quickly declared their intentions with their new platform.
In contrast, Ferrari finished 1-2 in Australia earlier this year. They battled for victory in Florida as well, but they did it without the modifications that the SF-24 will have this weekend. If the Italian squad makes even a modest improvement, they might emerge as consistent winners of races.
Improvements for Aston Martin
This weekend, updates for Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso will be given. The second portion of the package, which was first unveiled in Japan, will be offered by Aston Martin.
To put it frankly, there isn’t much excitement or great expectations for the AMR24’s upgrades. Since the beginning of 2023, the British team’s progress has lagged behind that of both its direct competitors and teams below in the standings.
Of course, Miami isn’t always the most typical circuit due to its layout. Aston Martin only managed two points in Miami due to a number of issues.
These mitigating variables, however, will not be accepted as an excuse for a team whose relative performance has decreased to justify their regression. Since Aston’s wind-tunnel correlation has not always been dependable, it is challenging to estimate the effect of these upgrades.
Expecting a fair improvement seems logical, especially in light of the irregularities between qualification and race day.
For Aston Martin, this weekend is critical regardless of pre-race expectations. It will give a very clear picture of their current situation in 2024. At the moment, they are positioned halfway between the front-runners and the lower middle groups.
Mike Krack’s squad have to start their own ascent because Alpine and RB are making progress, or else they run the risk of being pushed farther down the pack.
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