Fernando Alonso (ESP), Aston Martin Racing 29.04.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku Street Circuit, Azerbaijan, Sprint Day. – www.xpbimages.com, EMail: [email protected] © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Images
Fernando Alonso says that the DRS issue that has plagued Aston Martin throughout the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is still a worry ahead of Sunday’s race.
The event has been a disappointing show for the Silverstone-based squad so far, but Alonso is “optimistic” following positive signs in the Sprint Race.
Aston Martin have been the surprise package of the Formula 1 season so far, but have experienced somewhat of a slump in Baku.
The team has been experiencing issues with its DRS that has impacted both Alonso and Lance Stroll. The issues plagued their progress on Friday with concerns still present during the Saturday Shootout.
However, both Alonso and Stroll were thankful to see that the issues appeared to be resolved during the Sprint. However, neither were willing to get too carried away despite the good news.
“That’s the topic this weekend in our team,” said Alonso.
“But it did work, in the race I pressed it two times and it did open, so I hope everything is fixed.
“One time I wasn’t looking in the mirrors so I’m not sure, but I’m sure the team is analysing all the data and if we have some tweaks to do we have another chance before tomorrow’s race.”
When asked whether he still has any concerns about the issue reoccurring during Sunday’s Grand Prix, Alonso said: “I think so, we cannot be 100% sure, we’ve had problems every session so I don’t think that the system is still bulletproof into tomorrow’s race but it’s the way it is.
“Even with the DRS it seems very difficult to overtake when you are following cars, so maybe it’s not the key factor tomorrow even if it doesn’t work.”
“I think the weekend in general has been a little bit worse than the previous three races,” Alonso added.
“We are underperforming a little bit, this morning being the best example, P8 and P9 is not good enough.
“So we were a little bit concerned into the race but in the race I think I have to say I’m more optimistic now after the sprint race that the car will be fast tomorrow.
“I was fast in the sprint race, I was at the pace of the Ferrari and Mercedes, tomorrow I start P6 instead of P8, so we still have a chance to finish top five which, that will be ideal if we can finish sixth in the sprint race and fifth on Sunday on a difficult weekend, that will be very good news.”
Keyword: Alonso: Aston Martin DRS issue still a concern ahead of Azerbaijan GP