SUMMARY
- Fernando Alonso highlights steering issues in the new AMR24 during simulator sessions, raising concerns about the team's progress.
- The grand reveal of the AM24 is scheduled for February 12, adding anticipation and curiosity among enthusiasts.
Assumed to be one of the most fierce competitors of Red Bull in 2024, Aston Martin seems to be struggling already as pointed out by Fernando Alonso. The 2023 season witnessed the resurgence of the Silverstone-based team as their star driver, Alonso scored eight podium wins! While waiting for the brand new season with a tight schedule, Aston Martin seems to be in hot waters.
In a recently released YouTube video, Lance Stroll and his Spanish teammate are seen putting in the work ahead of next month’s testing sessions. Avid Aston Martin fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of the team’s newest car, with high hopes for a season kickoff that matches the excitement of the previous year. Aston Martin is planning for a grand reveal of the AM24 on February 12.
Fernando Alonso ready with his 2024 Aston Martin feedback
Before the 2024 challenger hit the track for its inaugural lap, Alonso identified an issue with its steering. He stated, “The most noticeable place, so you do Six, then you upshift and then you turn right to do Turn Seven and the steering is quite heavy and it takes a little bit of time…You have to be so precise in all the laps you have to do, and all the feedback that you’re giving to the engineers.”
📰: Fernando Alonso has identified a concerning issue with Aston Martin’s new AMR24 during pre-season simulator work. Alonso reported that the steering of the car felt “heavy” during certain maneuvers, specifically mentioning the transition from Turn Six to Turn Seven. Despite… pic.twitter.com/KS8EqtS4IN
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) January 29, 2024
Despite being 42 years of age, the Spaniard is a standout performer, especially last year. However, his momentum waned due to a hiccup in Aston Martin’s development path. Although the team managed to recover late in the season, Alonso slipped to fourth in the drivers’ championship. With high expectations for the upcoming season, Alonso, drawing from his extensive experience, detected a possible concern.
In the simulator, he completed 100 to 120 laps across three circuits, identifying this specific issue with the AMR24 which was apparent in the YouTube video.
Aston Martin’s Mike Krack predicts stability
Heading into the new season, Mike Krack, the team principal of the Aston Martin F1 team, does not anticipate a shakeup in the team hierarchy. Krack acknowledges the trend of teams aiming to emulate Red Bull, the current dominant force in Formula 1. In a conversation with Motorsport.com, Krack expressed his belief that the stable regulations will keep the pecking order consistent.
📰: Mike Krack has stated that it wouldn’t be considered a “failure” if the team fails to improve its championship position in the 2024 season. Despite a strong start in the previous season, Aston Martin faced challenges with unintended consequences of upgrades, dropping to fifth… pic.twitter.com/cyYWHtB8hc
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) January 22, 2024
He said, “When you when you have stable rules, the way we have it now, teams will rather go evolutionary. And if you have such a standout car, as we have with Red Bull, I think a lot of people will try to go in that direction.” Taking responsibility, the Luxembourgish team boss asserted that he will not offer ‘excuses’ for the mid-season dip in performance.