Aston Martin's revamp - and what it hints about the new Mercedes
Feb 12, 2024
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Mark Hughes, motor racing journalist and commentator, and Gary Anderson, former F1 technical director, dive into the evolution of Aston Martin's new AMR24 car and its connection to the new Mercedes. They discuss Aston's place in the pecking order, Fernando Alonso's potential move to Mercedes, and the importance of suspension and aerodynamics in Formula One cars.
Aston Martin's car design for 2024 showcases significant improvements in aerodynamics, emphasizing better airflow and optimized downforce for enhanced performance.
Fernando Alonso's contract with Aston Martin is expiring, and while the team wants to retain him, he is considering his options and might be a potential backup plan for Mercedes if they fail to secure their preferred choice, Kimi Antonelli.
Deep dives
Aston Martin's Performance Last Year
Aston Martin had a strong start to last season, but their performance declined as the season progressed. They were not expecting to be the second fastest car behind Red Bull, and their mid-season upgrades did not have the desired effect. Towards the end of the season, they improved but did not reach the same level as the beginning. There is pressure on the team to replicate their early-season success, and owner Lawrence Stroll expects more podium finishes.
Lessons Learned and Development Progress
Aston Martin had difficulties last year with car development, making mistakes and facing challenges. However, they learned from these experiences and made progress towards the end of the season. The team believes they have identified the issues and made adjustments. They aim to avoid similar setbacks in the future and focus on continuous development throughout the 2024 season. The team's technical director is confident that they have rectified the problems and are in a better position this year.
Car Design and Aero Improvements
Aston Martin's car design for the 2024 season shows various improvements and innovations, particularly in aerodynamics. The front wing has been modified to enhance airflow and optimize downforce while reducing drag. They have also made changes to the top surface of the side pods, allowing for better flow control and diverting excess airflow to improve the diffuser's performance. The team has focused on detail and optimization throughout the car, aiming to achieve a well-balanced and competitive package. Overall, the car demonstrates progress and has potential for success.
Fernando Alonso's Future and Possible Replacements
Fernando Alonso's contract with Aston Martin expires after this year, and negotiations for an extension have not yet been finalized. While Aston Martin would like to retain him, Alonso is assessing his options and wants to ensure he has a realistic chance of another World Championship. If he decides to continue, Aston Martin is his preferred choice, but there are also potential opportunities with Mercedes, although he might be seen as a Plan B for the team. Aston Martin's Plan A appears to be signing Kimi Antonelli, a highly talented young driver, but his performance in F2 will determine if he is ready to replace Lewis Hamilton directly.
Mark Hughes and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson join Edd Straw to pore over the new Aston Martin AMR24, which was unveiled ahead of a shakedown at Silverstone on Monday. They discuss how it has evolved from its predecessor, and what clues it offers up about the new Mercedes, with which it shares several parts. And finally, there's chat about where Aston might be in the pecking order in 2024, and about the future of Fernando Alonso, who is entering the final year of his deal with Aston Martin and might now be on Mercedes' radar, given Lewis Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari.
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