After a strong start to the 2023 Formula 1 season with five podiums in six races, Aston Martin was initially the first pursuer of the dominant Red Bulls. But Fernando Alonso’s team couldn’t maintain this winning streak – and slipped from second to fourth place in the World Cup standings.
The goal is to regain second place. To do this, Aston Martin, which currently has 273 points, has to beat the competition from Mercedes (273) and Ferrari (228). An ambitious undertaking for the last eight Grands Prix of the season.
When asked whether the team has the necessary tools for this, Lance Stroll says: “If we have the pace in the car that we had at the beginning of the season and can implement it every weekend, it is definitely possible. But the field much more competitive than was the case at the beginning of the season.”
Stroll: Power density has increased
“I think at the beginning of the season we had the second fastest car at times, so between the second and third fastest car. We fell behind in some events. On the tracks with lower downforce we struggled a little more compared to the competition,” analyzes the Canadian.
“But I think if we get back into the form we want to achieve and use every weekend, it’s definitely possible” to climb to second place.
“It’s a very close battle between us and Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, who are looking very fast now. Even Williams is looking very fast in some races, so it’s definitely very competitive between the whole field,” said Stroll. “But I definitely think if, as I said, we find the pace and the car from the start of the season and capitalize on it, it’s very possible.”
Alonso: We have to think from race to race
Teammate Alonso, who achieved a mammoth share of the previous haul with 170 points, is a little more reserved. “I think it’s going to be a long time before Abu Dhabi, I think it’s going to be ups and downs for everyone,” he says.
“We’ve had some moments throughout the season where it looked like we were second fastest. In some races we felt like we were fifth or sixth fastest, so it’s difficult to judge that.”
“But we are confident,” emphasizes the Spaniard. “We are in a position that is a privilege as we are fighting with top teams and we still enjoy every moment of every weekend. But yes, we will see. I think we have to think race by race and very much Be open with our chances. And if we can get a lot of points, we will fight for second place.”
Compared to last year, Aston Martin has already made a huge leap. At that time – still with Stroll and Sebastian Vettel in the squad – the team finished seventh with just 55 points. The brand has been represented in Formula 1 again since 2021.