Fernando Alonso doesn’t expect a miracle in Hungary. Above all, the Spaniard hopes that the new evolution will show that Aston Martin is moving in the right direction.
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Aston Martin is playing an important part of its season this weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix with the introduction of the most significant evolution of its AMR26.
After deliberately postponing any updates since the beginning of the year to focus its resources on a single package, the British team finally hopes to reverse the trend.
Fernando Alonso, for his part, prefers to temper expectations.
No miracle expected
The Spaniard does not believe that these new parts will instantly transform the car’s competitiveness.
“I don’t need answers. With the team, we have a very clear idea of what we need to fix. It will take time, but I have no doubt.”
The two-time world champion shows complete confidence in Adrian Newey.
“I have absolutely no doubt that Adrian will eventually design the best car, sooner or later.”
Understanding the direction taken
More than the raw result, Alonso especially wants to verify that this evolution confirms the technical choices made by Aston Martin.
“I would like to see the progress brought by this package and understand, after the first races, if we are on the right track.”
According to him, the most significant benefits could especially be felt in the medium term.
“I think this will be more beneficial for next year and the following seasons.”
The Honda engine doesn’t worry him
Alonso also appeared serene regarding the development of the Honda power unit.
“I have no doubt about the engine. It’s only a matter of time before Honda fixes the problems.”
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He reminds that this type of progression is part of the history of the discipline.
“This is what we have been doing for forty years in motorsport.”
A gap impossible to close in one weekend
Despite the expectations surrounding this evolution, Alonso refuses to imagine a spectacular leap in the hierarchy.
In Belgium, Aston Martin was more than two seconds behind the leaders in qualifying.
“There is no package that can make you gain that much time in a single weekend.”
He even believes that this evolution would probably not have changed the result obtained at Spa-Francorchamps.
Hungary as the first real test
The Hungaroring could, however, offer a more favorable context for Aston Martin.
Engine power plays a less important role there than on other circuits, even if Alonso acknowledges that several weaknesses still need to be corrected.
“I hope that Budapest will be a circuit that suits us more, but we still have certain deficits that we need to overcome.”
Ultimately, the Spanish driver perfectly summarizes his state of mind.
“What interests me most is to understand in which direction the car is evolving and to know if we are following the right path.”
For Alonso, this evolution will therefore not be judged solely on the result obtained in Hungary, but above all on the lessons it will provide for the future development of Aston Martin.
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