It was a return to normality for Aston Martin in Canada, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll securing points. The AMR24 was comfortably the fifth-fastest car on race day – too fast for the lower midfield but not fast enough for the front-runners.
After a sequence of disappointing races, Aston Martin can be satisfied with their weekend in Montreal.
There is still work to be done at the factory, given that Alonso was unable to keep up with the top 5 in wet or dry conditions. Much like at the beginning of the season, the British team seems to lose time from qualifying to race day.
High-fuel running is a weakness the team must address to have any hope of competing for podiums and race wins. Still, at least for now, the scrutiny on Aston Martin will be alleviated.
A CLEAN RACE FOR ASTON MARTIN, BUT STILL LACKING PERFORMANCE
In a race where many drivers and teams committed errors, the Silverstone-based team avoided them.
“We made good strategic calls at the right time, and the team carried out solid pit stops. Including a double stack when we went to dry tyres,” said team principal Mike Krack.
“Lance and Fernando drove faultlessly in difficult conditions. And we were rewarded with having both cars finishing in the points in P6 and P7.”
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 09: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W15 leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 09, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406090545 // Usage for editorial use only //
This points haul cements Aston Martin’s position in the standings. Suggestions of VCARB potentially catching Lawrence Stroll’s team will die down. Still, consolidating 5th place in the Championship is hardly something to celebrate.
“I’m pleased Lance was able to get a solid result in front of the Canadian fans,” Mike Krack continued.
“It has been a better weekend for us as we learn more about recent upgrades and extract more performance from the AMR24.
“Our focus now shifts to Barcelona and Fernando’s home Grand Prix. But we need to keep unlocking more pace to challenge our closest competitors.”
