TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME
Unless Lance Stroll finds more pace and consistency, it’ll be up to the evergreen 42-year-old Fernando Alonso to land big scores for Aston Martin
It took little time for Aston Martin to become the Isle of Fernando, after replacing one world champion [Sebastian Vettel] with another last season. When Alonso made his F1 comeback with Alpine in 2021, moments of brilliance had been too often restricted by the French team’s inertia and unreliability. There might have even been doubts that Alonso no longer had “it”, but those murmurs of dissent were quelled once he stepped into Aston’s AMR23.
The Silverstone squad, in its third year under the guise of Britain’s premier sportscar brand, had become a vastly improved force in 2023 – particularly in the first half of the year. The technical leadership of ex-red Bull aero pharaoh Dan Fallows had helped birth a benignhandling car which enjoyed great performance in slow-speed corners. This underpinned vast investment from Lawrence Stroll, who had been supporting the team since purchasing the financially troubled Force India squad in 2018; Alonso’s first-time-out podium in Bahrain seemed to justify that spend.
After the explosive start to 2023, performances dwindled slightly. Suggestions the team had to redesign its front end as part of a clampdown on moveable aero couldn’t be shaken off, while a chance to win in Monaco was lost after a mistimed tyre call as the heavens opened on the Cote d’azur.
Wild experiments at the Austin and Mexico rounds took the shine off as the podium supply began to dry up, but Alonso responded with a Brazil masterclass in his duel against Sergio Pérez to earn a rostrum return. The decade-long wait for a 33rd win could very well end – but only if Aston Martin’s new Silverstone facilities can bear fruit.
Then there’s the other car. Lance Stroll’s drive in Bahrain, against the pain of fractured wrists sustained in a cycling accident on the eve of the season, was tremendous, but he was largely unable to make the most of the car at its most competitive moments. After whisperings the Canadian wasn’t particularly dedicated to F1, including scurrilous rumours that he was about to pack up racing for tennis, he must rally against the backhanded remarks.