Fernando Alonso’s Candid Remarks on Aston Martin’s Performance at the Mexico Grand Prix

In the world of Formula 1, performance on race day can often deviate significantly from the expectations set during practice sessions. This was clearly illustrated by Fernando Alonso’s recent comments regarding Aston Martin’s struggles at the Mexico Grand Prix. After qualifying in 14th place, with his teammate, Lance Stroll, lagging behind in 19th, Alonso did not hold back in expressing his disappointment, stating that the team "doesn’t deserve points" for their performance.

Practice Sessions vs. Qualifying Challenges

Throughout the season, Aston Martin has frequently demonstrated promising speed during free practice. In the second practice session leading up to the Mexico Grand Prix, both Alonso and Stroll managed to secure spots in the top 10, hinting at potential competitiveness. However, the transition from practice to qualifying has repeatedly proven to be a challenge for the team.

Lance Stroll articulated the frustration many drivers feel when the car’s performance ebbs and flows throughout the weekend. He noted, “I have no grip, no grip. It’s kind of what happens a lot. There’s good grip in the practice, and then you come into qualifying and there’s just no grip.” This discrepancy between practice and qualifying highlights a fundamental issue that Aston Martin has yet to resolve.

Alonso echoed his teammate’s sentiments, indicating that the team’s performance was not in line with their usual expectations. He remarked that having qualified only 8th on Friday—typically a much stronger position for him—set a concerning tone for the rest of the weekend. The two-time world champion pointed out, “On Friday, normally we are P3, P5. So, when I was only P8 yesterday, I knew that it could be a tough weekend.”

Acknowledgment of Track Limitations

Alonso was quick to recognize that the Mexico City circuit—along with the Las Vegas track—has historically posed significant challenges for Aston Martin. He pointed out that the team has struggled in Mexico in previous years, stating, “We’ve been last, I think, in 2023, last in 2024, and now we are struggling in 2025.” Alonso’s comments reflect a broader concern regarding the team’s inability to adapt to the unique characteristics of certain tracks, which can drastically affect their overall performance.

While Alonso’s remarks may have been somewhat exaggerated, they underline a crucial point: Aston Martin must gain a better understanding of how to optimize their car for specific circuits. With the addition of Adrian Newey, a renowned figure in car design and engineering, to the team, Alonso expressed a glimmer of hope that future seasons could bring improvements. “Let’s see next year if Adrian understands more,” he said.

The Importance of the First Lap

As the race approached, Alonso emphasized the significance of the first lap, believing it could be a pivotal moment in the battle for points. With the team facing an uphill battle to compete with the top 10, he acknowledged the difficulties they would encounter. “It’s going to be tough, I think, without any anomaly in the race,” he conceded.

Alonso’s acknowledgment of their current pace—and the reality that they are unlikely to score points—reveals a candid perspective on their situation. He stated, “I think we don’t deserve the points because we are not in the pace of the top 10.” This honesty is refreshing, especially in a sport where drivers often maintain a façade of confidence regardless of underlying performance issues.

The first three corners of the Mexico circuit are notoriously tight, posing an additional challenge for drivers as they navigate the initial moments of the race. Alonso recognized this, stating, “The first three corners are quite tight. Definitely too narrow for 20 cars.” He expressed a commitment to making the most of the situation, emphasizing that if there were opportunities to gain positions and fight for points, the team would do everything possible to capitalize on them.

Looking Ahead

The Mexico Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the fierce competition present in Formula 1 and the continual evolution of teams and their strategies. For Aston Martin, it’s clear that there are significant improvements to be made if they are to compete effectively in future races. As Alonso pointed out, the team’s historical struggles at certain tracks suggest a need for deeper analysis and adjustment.

With the right direction and focus, there is potential for Aston Martin to enhance their performance in the coming seasons. For now, Alonso’s reflections on the current state of the team provide a candid insight into the challenges they face and the commitment required to overcome them.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, every race presents an opportunity for teams to learn and grow. For Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso, the Mexico Grand Prix was a stark reminder of the work ahead. While the team may not have achieved the results they desired, the experiences gained during the race weekend will undoubtedly contribute to their future development. Alonso’s insights serve as a motivational call to action for Aston Martin as they strive to improve their performance and competitiveness in the challenging landscape of Formula 1 racing.