The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team had a strong qualifying performance in preparation for the Australian Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso starting on the second row and Lance Stroll just behind on row three.
Navigating Changeable Temperatures and Weather
Both drivers successfully navigated their way through a challenging qualifying session with changeable temperatures and weather. Though track temperatures were low, allowing multiple runs on a single set of tires, the threat of rain made track conditions unpredictable.
Intense Fight for Top Grid Positions
The final part of qualifying saw an intense fight for the top grid positions, with one second covering the top 10. Despite this competition, Alonso felt more at one with the AMR23 as the session progressed and was happy with his fourth position on the grid. Meanwhile, Stroll paid tribute to his team for their strong qualifying performance.
Confident in Race Trim
The AMR23 has looked strong in race trim, and Alonso was just 0.407 seconds off pole. Though it is difficult to overtake around Albert Park, the team is ready to fight hard for top positions and score as many points as possible.
Data Analysis from FP1
During FP1, the team used various new parts to test their performance, providing valuable data to analyze for preparation.
Rain Impacts FP2
Rain impacted FP2, which limited meaningful running to just 20 minutes. However, the team remains confident in their race pace and ready to challenge for a strong pair of points on race day.
Unpredictable Forecast
Though the forecast for the weekend is dry, Melbourne has a history of unpredictable weather that could impact the race.
Lance Stroll’s Recovery from Wrist Injuries
Lance Stroll is still experiencing pain from wrist injuries sustained in preseason training. He was forced to sit out the preseason test with Aston Martin due to his injuries but made a quick recovery to finish sixth in the opening race in Bahrain.
Understanding Limits of Car and Regaining Confidence
Stroll is still trying to understand the limits of the car and regain confidence in his wrists, but he feels he is getting closer to his teammate Alonso. Despite the challenges, Stroll is excited about the Australian Grand Prix and aims to improve his performance and finish higher up the leaderboard.
Team Expectations Have Changed
Stroll recognizes that the team’s expectations have changed, and simply finishing in the lower top 10 is no longer satisfying. He acknowledges that Mercedes has been performing well in the Australian Grand Prix and poses a potential threat to Aston Martin’s position.
Changes in Stroll’s Demeanor and Performance
Former F1 driver Damon Hill noted a change in Stroll’s demeanor after a cycling accident that sidelined him from preseason testing. F1 journalist Tom Clarkson also noticed Stroll’s change of attitude, which may be due to time spent with a Netflix production crew for a Drive to Survive episode. Meanwhile, Sky F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham believes that Alonso is having a positive influence on Stroll and is taking him under his wing to impart knowledge and experience.
Alonso and Stroll are growing together and bringing the team with them. Their strong qualifying results bode well for their performance in the Australian Grand Prix, though they will face stiff competition from Mercedes and other competitors on race day.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
