Aston Martin’s Challenges in the 2025 Formula 1 Season: A Deep Dive

In the world of Formula 1, the dynamics of competition can shift rapidly, and teams must constantly adapt to stay in the race. In the 2025 season, Aston Martin Racing found itself grappling with a multitude of challenges, particularly with their car, the AMR25. This season has been particularly revealing for the team, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of their current setup.

Early Season Performance

Fernando Alonso had a stellar start to the 2023 Formula 1 season, securing six podium finishes in the first eight races and positioning himself third in the championship standings. However, the subsequent seasons have not been as fruitful. As the 2025 season progressed, Alonso struggled to replicate his early success, with the Spanish Grand Prix marking a turning point as he finally scored points in a season where his teammate, Lance Stroll, had previously accumulated all of Aston Martin’s points—just 14 from the first two races.

Technical Struggles

The AMR25 has had a rocky start, with the car exhibiting a fundamental issue related to its race pace. Despite the team’s efforts, the car has consistently underperformed on race days compared to qualifying sessions. Stroll’s tendency to qualify poorly only partially obscures the underlying problem: the car’s performance tends to diminish significantly during races. For instance, during the Imola race, Stroll qualified within the top ten but ended up finishing in 15th place.

Alonso, on the other hand, has managed to reach Q3 multiple times. However, his recent points haul in Barcelona was a modest return, with the situation exacerbated by a penalty for his competitor, Max Verstappen. A notable observation throughout this triple-header was Alonso’s ability to execute overtakes in unconventional areas of the track, showcasing his skill and adaptability.

“We were lacking top speed, which meant we lost a lot on the straights,” Alonso remarked after the race in Barcelona. He emphasized that he did not execute any overtakes under DRS (Drag Reduction System), suggesting that his moves were made in challenging conditions. “I had to innovate to make these overtakes, especially in Turn 3, which is not a conventional overtaking spot,” he explained.

Race Day vs. Qualifying

Alonso pointed out a significant disparity between the car’s performance on Saturdays versus Sundays. “We need to enhance our straight-line speed and tire degradation,” he noted. He expressed satisfaction with the points earned but insisted that for future races, changes must be made to the car to favor race performance over qualifying speed.

Both Alonso and Mike Krack, the team’s chief trackside officer, acknowledged that the car suffers from understeer, impacting its balance. While some understeer is typically acceptable at circuits like Barcelona—where rear tire protection is crucial—Alonso was adamant that simply dialing in more understeer is not the solution to their problems.

Performance Upgrades and Expectations

Last season, Aston Martin faced challenges with performance upgrades that did not yield the anticipated results. The AMR25, being a product of previous design leadership, saw its first significant updates at Imola with a new floor and bodywork. These changes were framed by CEO and team principal Andy Cowell as an experimental phase, allowing the team to test their tools and processes.

It has become evident that the AMR25 exhibits a weak front end, contributing to its understeer, while also struggling to manage rear tire temperatures effectively. The combination of slow straight-line speed and poor thermal management is detrimental on race days.

The lack of aerodynamic efficiency is a double-edged sword for the AMR25: it not only suffers in straight-line speed but cannot simply cut downforce without risking further issues with tire performance. Krack succinctly explained, “In qualifying, we utilize new tires repeatedly, which conceals many of the car’s weaknesses.” He elaborated on how as tires age, the inherent problems become more pronounced, leading to a widening gap between qualifying and race performance.

Tire Management Strategy

Aston Martin has been experimenting with its race tire sets, employing a technique known as ‘scrubbing.’ This involves giving tires a short run during practice to heat them up and then cool them down, effectively altering the visco-elastic properties of the rubber. While this strategy does not straightforwardly enhance grip or longevity, it may help reduce sensitivity to graining and thermal degradation.

Jun Matsuzaki, Aston Martin’s chief tire performance engineer, has long been a crucial asset, helping the team navigate tire strategies effectively. His experience dates back to the Force India days, where he earned a reputation for maximizing tire performance. Given his history, it is unlikely that Aston Martin’s struggles stem from poor tire management on race days; instead, the root of the problem lies in mechanical and aerodynamic design.

Alonso remains optimistic, suggesting that the team is beginning to understand the underlying issues affecting the car’s performance. “I believe we have identified the problems we are facing,” he stated, indicating a hopeful outlook for future improvements.

The Road Ahead

As the Aston Martin team continues to confront these challenges, the key lies in refining their understanding of the AMR25’s limitations and enhancing its overall performance. The interplay between qualifying pace and race day performance is critical, and adjustments to the car’s setup and strategy are essential for regaining competitive ground.

By focusing on improving straight-line speed, tire management, and overall aerodynamic efficiency, Aston Martin hopes to turn their season around. The insights gained from recent races will be pivotal as they work to develop a more balanced car that can perform consistently across different circuits and conditions.

With Alonso’s experience and competitive spirit, combined with the technical expertise of the team, there is potential for significant improvement as the season progresses. The next races will be crucial in determining whether Aston Martin can capitalize on their learnings and reestablish themselves as a formidable contender in Formula 1.